Background: Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM) and is related to shorter overall survival and increased rates of early death. Bortezomib is a new agent for the treatment of patients with myeloma, with high response rates and controllable side effects. In this study, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed MM complicated by renal impairment.
Patients and methods: This is a prospective study of the general characteristics, reversibility of renal impairment, response of myeloma, and side effects of 18 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with MM and renal impairment who received > or = 2 cycles of bortezomib and dexamethasone.
Results: Of 18 patients newly diagnosed with MM, the median age was 60 years, and the median serum creatinine was 5.3 mg/dL. Patients received a median of 4 cycles of bortezomib and dexamethasone. Reversal of renal impairment was documented in 38.9% of the patients, and the median time to reversal was 16 days. Moreover, 33.3% of the patients achieved renal response (a 50% decrease in serum creatinine). The overall response rate of MM was 83.3%, including a 33.3% complete response (CR) rate, a 16.7% near-CR rate, a 16.7% very good partial response (PR) rate, and a 16.7% PR rate. Grade 3/4 adverse events consisted of infection (n = 3), peripheral neuropathy (n = 3), and ileus (n = 1). After a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the median progression-free survival for all patients was 12.6 months.
Conclusion: Bortezomib plus dexamethasone is a safe and effective regimen for newly diagnosed patients with MM complicated by renal impairment.