[Interest of daratumumab in refractory AL amyloidosis in a 96-year-old patient]

Rev Med Interne. 2022 Nov;43(11):673-676. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2022.07.013. Epub 2022 Aug 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Systemic immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by deposition of amyloid fibrils of light chains produced by clonal CD38+plasma cells, resulting in organ dysfunction. Cardiac involvement has a major prognostic value. Antiplasma cell chemotherapy reduces the synthesis of immunoglobulin light chains (precursors of amyloid deposits). We describe a case of AL amyloidosis in a 95-year-old patient. Our patient responded poorly to treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone, and rituximab-bendamustine. Finally, the anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab was associated with the best hematologic responsiveness without significant adverse effects. In conclusion, our case suggests that daratumumab is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to chemotherapy in the treatment af AL amyloidosis in very elderly patients.

Keywords: AL amyloidosis; Amylose AL; COVID-19; Daratumumab; Elderly; Maladie réfractaire; Refractory disease; Âgé.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis* / complications
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis* / diagnosis
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis* / drug therapy
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • daratumumab
  • Rituximab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Dexamethasone