[Treatment strategy for immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2021;62(8):1160-1166. doi: 10.11406/rinketsu.62.1160.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Systemic AL amyloidosis is a disease wherein amyloid proteins derived from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains produced by abnormal plasma cells are deposited in the tissues through the whole body and cause organ failure. The treatment aims to minimize treatment-related toxicity and mortality to achieve a deeper and more persistent hematologic response as early as possible. Stem cell transplantation is preferred; however, only 20% of patients are eligible. Patients are selected as per strict transplant indication criteria. Transplant-ineligible patients receive chemotherapy with high efficacy, such as melphalan/dexamethasone, bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone, and daratumumab/bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone. The prognosis of advanced cardiac amyloidosis remains poor, and delays in diagnosis are fatal. Early diagnosis and early treatment are important to prevent and minimize organ damage.

Keywords: Autologous stem cell transplantation; Cardiac amyloidosis; Chemotherapy; Systemic AL amyloidosis.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis* / diagnosis
  • Amyloidosis* / drug therapy
  • Bortezomib / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis* / therapy
  • Melphalan

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone
  • Melphalan