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A modified high‐dose dexamethasone regimen for primary systemic (AL) amyloidosis
Author(s) -
Palladini Giovanni,
Anesi Ernesto,
Perfetti Vittorio,
Obici Laura,
Invernizzi Rosangela,
Balduini Carlo,
Ascari Edoardo,
Merlini Giampaolo
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.02859.x
Subject(s) - dexamethasone , medicine , al amyloidosis , regimen , primary systemic amyloidosis , amyloidosis , primary (astronomy) , oncology , systemic disease , immunology , immunopathology , antibody , immunoglobulin light chain , physics , astronomy
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.