Assessment of bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma by the reduced Total Neuropathy Score

Abstract

We evaluated bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) characteristics in an attempt to better clarify the type, grade, duration and reversibility of neuropathy as well as investigate possible peripheral neuropathy (PN) risk factors and detect the best way to manage it. We calculated the grading of neuropathy using the Total Neuropathy Score reduced version (TNSr) in a series of 51 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib. Seventy percent developed clinical PN. BIPN, although manageable, is frequently underestimated in patients treated with bortezomib intravenously. Continuous follow-up and management of PN are needed to avoid quality of life impairment.

Keywords::

• Drug induced peripheral neuropathy
• multiple myeloma
• bortezomib

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Pr. Cornblath and the CI-PeriNomS Group for permitting us to use the Total Neuropathy Score (TNS) and its subtypes, for which John Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Potential conflict of interest:

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