Bortezomib in the first-line treatment of patients with plasma cell myeloma and renal failure

Abstract

In the present paper we describe 2 cases of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) and renal insufficiency to whom bortezomid was administred as first-line treatment. Plasma cell myeloma is a malignant disease characterised by excessive proliferation of monoclonal plasmacytic cells. It is still considered as an uncurable disease. One of the severest problems in the course of this disease is the renal failure, which occurs in 20–25% of newly diagnosed patients and 50% of those having the relapsed/refractory disease. Introduction of the novel drugs such as bortezomib into the therapy of PCM, allowed to obtain a response to treatment in the majority of patients. Administration of bortezomib to the first-line treatment in association with dexamethasone and other cytostatics may result in response in 80–90% patients. Presented cases proof the efficacy and safety of bortezomib in treatment of patients with PCM and renal failure.