Bence-Jones myeloma with pleural effusion: response to alpha-interferon and combined chemotherapy.
A 73-year-old female patient with myelomatous pleural effusions is described. She was admitted to our hospital with lumbago and emaciation. Laboratory findings revealed cytopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated Bence-Jones monoclonal protein in the serum, but not in the urine. Bence-Jones myeloma was diagnosed by the bone marrow aspiration. Chest X-ray film, however, showed bilateral pleural effusions. Fluid cytology revealed numerous immature plasma cells, indicating pleural involvement. Intrapleural administration of alpha-interferon combined with systemic chemotherapy (oral melphalan-prednisolone with alpha-interferon im.) was successful in maintaining the resolution of pleural effusions. Intrapleural alpha-interferon administration seems to be effective in the management of myelomatous pleural effusions.
Makino
S
S
Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, Japan.
Yamahara
S
S
Nagake
Y
Y
Kamura
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001536:Bence Jones Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D001536:Bence Jones Protein; D011239:Prednisolone; D008558:Melphalan