Bortezomib and dexamethasone in previously untreated multiple myeloma associated with renal failure and reversal of renal failure

Multiple myeloma ( MM) associated with renal failure carries a worse prognosis when compared with MM without renal failure. Bortezomib, a reversible proteosome inhibitor, is a new drug indicated for the treatment of refractory or relapsed myeloma. Published data on the use of bortezomib in patients with myeloma and renal failure are few. We report our experience with bortezomib and dexamethasone in 3 previously untreated and 1 relapsed patient with MM and renal failure. All patients achieved rapid improvement in their renal function as measured by serum creatinine levels with only 1-2 cycles of bortezomib (8 dexamethasone), 3 of 4 patients had a near complete response and 1 patient had a partial response. The rapid reversal of renal dysfunction with bortezomib (8 dexamethasone) treatment may be an effective strategy to prevent end stage renal failure in MM, thereby improving the morbidity and mortality in this otherwise poor prognosis subset of patients with myeloma. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.