Bortezomib: an effective agent in extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma

Eur J Haematol. 2006 May;76(5):405-8. doi: 10.1111/j.0902-4441.2005.t01-1-EJH2462.x. Epub 2006 Mar 9.

Abstract

Bortezomib is a potent and selective proteasome inhibitor recently introduced in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). This drug produces significant responses in about one-third of patients with relapsed/refractory disease. We first recognized the lack of efficacy of thalidomide in soft-tissue plasmacytomas. There is little information on the effect of bortezomib on extramedullary myeloma. Four of 23 patients treated with bortezomib at our institution had extramedullary involvement at the time of relapse. In three of these patients large soft-tissue plasmacytomas disappeared. This indicates that bortezomib may be useful in clinical situations of extramedullary disease in which other agents, such as thalidomide, may not be effective.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Boronic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Boronic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Bortezomib
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Protease Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrazines / administration & dosage
  • Pyrazines / therapeutic use*
  • Recurrence
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Boronic Acids
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib