Background: Bortezomib is an anti-neoplastic drug acting against multiple myeloma but its use is associated with the onset of painful peripheral neuropathy. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is associated with the development of neuropathic pain; several models have shown that the inactivation of TNFα leads to a reduction in pain stimuli perception. The aim of the present study was to analyze if the administration of an antibody against TNFα is able to prevent the development of bortezomib-induced neuropathic pain.
Materials and methods: Nerve conduction velocity was measured and a histopathological examination was performed to assess the extent of peripheral neuropathy. To study the onset of painful neuropathy, the response to mechanical or thermal stimuli was evaluated.
Results: This study demonstrated that co-administration of an antibody against TNFα is able to prevent allodynia induced by bortezomib but does not reduce neuropathy.
Conclusion: Targeting TNFα might be useful in limiting patients' discomfort during bortezomib therapy.
Keywords: Bortezomib-induced neuropathy; allodynia; anti-TNFα; tumor necrosis factor-α.