A modified high-dose dexamethasone regimen for primary systemic (AL) amyloidosis.

Abstract

High-dose dexamethasone (HD-Dex) has been reported to benefit AL amyloidosis patients with varying response rates. Our preliminary experience with the usual HD-Dex schedule indicated that the induction phase was rather toxic in AL patients. We therefore adopted a milder schedule consisting of dexamethasone 40 mg on d 1-4 q21 d for up to eight cycles. Overall 8 out of 23 (35%) treated patients responded to treatment in a median time of 4 months (range 2-6 months) without significant toxicity. This regimen may be considered front-line therapy when autologous stem cell transplantation is not feasible and when a rapid response is particularly important.

• Authors: G Palladini, E Anesi, V Perfetti, L Obici, R Invernizzi, C Balduini, E Ascari, G Merlini
• Journal: British journal of haematology (Br J Haematol) Vol. 113 Issue 4 Pg. 1044-6 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 0007-1048 [Print] England
• PMID: 11442500 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Amyloidosis (drug therapy)
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome