Successful treatment of immunoglobulin D myeloma by bortezomib and dexamethasone therapy

Intern Med. 2011;50(21):2653-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5977. Epub 2011 Nov 1.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) myeloma is a rare subtype and it is widely accepted as an aggressive disease. Here, we report a 66-year-old woman with IgD myeloma who had anemia, lumbago, multiple osteolytic lesions and hypercalcemia. The patient refused a blood transfusion because of her beliefs, so we administered bortezomib and dexamethasone (BD) after high-dose dexamethasone therapy. Marked improvement of anemia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels was recognized. After 5 cycles of BD therapy, the patient achieved a stringent complete response according to International Myeloma Working Group Response Criteria. BD therapy might be a feasible and useful treatment option for IgD myeloma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Boronic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin D / biosynthesis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Pyrazines / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Boronic Acids
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone