title: Response of primary plasma cell leukemia to the combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone: do specific cytogenetic and immunophenotypic characteristics influence treatment outcome?
abstract: Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive form of plasma cell dyscrasias. Its special biological characteristics may play an important role in the poor outcome when treated with conventional therapy or even with stem cell transplantation. New treatment approaches based on the biology of this disease are mandatory. Here we present three cases of primary PCL with adverse cytogenetics (deletion 13q14 and translocation 4;14) and specific immunophenotypic features (CD27 antigen strong expression) in which excellent response and sustained remission was achieved with the combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone. The possible role of these biological characteristics is been analyzed.
authors: Theagenion Cancer Center, Thessaloniki, Greece. iikatodritou@otenet.gr
authors: Eirini
authors: E
authors: Katodritou
authors: Evgenia
authors: E
authors: Verrou
authors: Vassiliki
authors: V
authors: Gastari
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Hadjiaggelidou
authors: Evangelos
authors: E
authors: Terpos
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Zervas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007952:Leukemia, Plasma Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012074:Remission Induction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001897:Boronic Acids; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone