Reversibility of renal failure in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with high dose dexamethasone-containing regimens and the impact of novel agents

The impact of high dose dexamethasone containing regimens with or without the novel agents thalidomide and bortezomib on the reversal of renal failure (RF) was evaluated in 41 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated in a single institution. RF was reversed in 73% of all patients within a median of 1.9 months. In patients treated with dexamethasone and novel agents (thalidomide and/or bortezomib) the reversibility rate was 80% within a median of 0.8 months. Severe RF and significant Bence Jones proteinuria were associated with a lower probability of RF reversal. Patients who responded to treatment achieved RF reversal more often than in those who did not (85% versus 56%, p=0.046). In conclusion, RF is reversible in the majority of newly diagnosed MM patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone containing regimens. The addition of novel agents induces a more rapid RF reversal.