Bortezomib a safe treatment for patients with multiple myeloma and cystic fibrosis

Introduction: Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that targets myeloma cell and its bone marrow microenvironment. Intravenous Bortezomib with or without dexamethasone, is effective and well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: We used Bortezomib without corticosteroids, to avoid the risk of lung infection reactivations due to patient's Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization, in a MM patient with Cystic Fibrosis. Four 21-day cycles of Bortezomib were administrated at 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8 and 11 with a 10 day rest period. Treatment response and toxicity were evaluated. Results: After four cycles of therapy the patient achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) according to the IMWG response criteria, without clinically significant side effects. Conclusions: Bortezomib can be successfully utilized for the management of this difficult disease situation.