[The effects and safety of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone in the treatment of primary systemic amyloidosis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects and safety of the regimen of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone (VD) in the treatment of primary systemic (AL) amyloidosis.


METHODS
Five newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients confirmed by renal biopsy with a median of 3 organs involved (3 to 5 organs) were treated by VD regimen for 3 (1-4) cycles.


RESULTS
Among 3 evaluable patients, 1 was in stable condition and 2 had hematologic response (partial remission and complete remission) and organ function improvement. Hematologic responses were rapid (median 1.5 cycles) and median time to organ response was 2 cycles. Three cases were survived and the periods of follow up were 5, 4 and 4 months respectively. The other 2 died 2 and 14 months after diagnosis. The side effects were asthenia, diarrhea, constipation, edema aggravation and fever, all of which were in I grade. No treatment associating death was found.


CONCLUSIONS
VD regimen might be an efficient, rapid effective and safe regimen in the treatment of AL amyloidosis.
Li
Juan
J
Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China. luliyuan@tom.com
Zhao
Ying
Y
Zeng
Li-jin
LJ
Su
Chang
C
Wang
He-hua
HH
D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001897:Boronic Acids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D011719:Pyrazines; D000069286:Bortezomib; D003907:Dexamethasone