Nephrotic syndrome due to primary systemic AL amyloidosis, successfully treated with VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) alone

Intern Med. 2008;47(6):543-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0709. Epub 2008 Mar 17.

Abstract

We report 3 patients with nephrotic syndrome ascribed to primary systemic AL amyloidosis that were successfully treated with VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) alone. M-protein in serum disappeared soon after VAD, and nephrotic syndrome gradually improved in parallel with a decrease in daily protein excretion in urine. Long-term follow-up of these patients showed neither relapse of nephrotic syndrome nor reappearance of M-protein. High-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell support is a standard therapy for primary systemic AL amyloidosis, but in high-risk cases for this treatment, such as elderly patients and those with multiple organ involvement, VAD might be a therapeutic option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Doxorubicin

Supplementary concepts

  • VAD I protocol