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Subcutaneous (SC) bortezomib-based regimens represent the standard induction therapy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Published data are based principally on intravenous (IV) administration: this retrospective observational study aimed to define patients' outcomes upon SC bortezomib administration, before and after ASCT. Of 131 enrolled patients, 86% received bortezomib-dexamethasone plus thalidomide (VTD), 5% plus cyclophosphamide (VCD), and 9% alone (VD), for a median of 4 cycles induction therapy, followed by single (52%) or double (48%) ASCT. 48 patients received consolidation with the same induction regimen. 35% had at least one adverse event, mainly gastrointestinal disorders and peripheral neuropathy (PN). ORR was 93.1%, 97.7% and 100%, after induction, ASCT(s) and consolidation, respectively. Median PFS and PFS2 were 55.8 months and 72 months, respectively, (median follow-up 45.3 months), while median OS was unreached. Concluding, SC bortezomib has similar efficacy with reduced PN than IV administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the clinical outcome of multiple myeloma (MM) patients has improved due to the introduction of several new agents and of immunotherapy. The lenalidomide starting dose was reduced in seven patients (16%) according to the renal function, mainly due to amyloidosis; only one patient received a 5 mg dose while on dialysis treatment following renal failure due to MM relapse. At the time of analysis, 32 (73%) patients were currently on treatment whereas twelve patients (27%) discontinued Dara-Rd combination mainly because of disease progression (81%). [Extracted from the article]

Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is considered a rare disease, although few studies have assessed its epidemiology. Therefore, we felt it appropriate to examine the regional incidence of new AL diagnosis at Careggi University Hospital, the only multidisciplinary regional referral centre for amyloidosis serving the Florence metropolitan area, in Italy. At our institution, AL diagnosis was performed by biopsy of abdominal fat pad or of another involved organ, showing amyloid deposits characterised as AL type by immunohistochemistry, optic/immunoelectron microscopy or proteomics [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]