Abstract

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy associated with bortezomib and its relation to multiple myeloma versus other malignancies.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review study. Subjects who received bortezomib at HealthEast Care System for various malignancies were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS Enterprise Guide software version 5.1. All comparison data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-Square.

Results: A total of 64 patients received bortezomib for various cancer and blood disorders. Two patients were excluded from the analysis; one patient was diagnosed to have the possible POEMS syndrome and another patient developed neuropathy after receiving multiple chemotherapy agents. Bortezomib related neuropathy was seen in 46.8% (29 out of 62) of study patients. Neuropathy was higher in patients with multiple myeloma (41.9%) vs. non-multiple myeloma (4.8%) with a p-value of 0.0091. The development of peripheral neuropathy has no relation to age, gender, and prior neuropathy. Neuropathy developed in 75.9% of patients within four cycles of treatment (p=0.005).

Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy is more common in multiple myeloma patients who received bortezomib when compared with non multiple myeloma patients and develops in the first four cycles of treatment.

Keywords: Bortezomib, chemotherapy, peripheral neuropathy, multiple myeloma and malignancy.

Graphical Abstract