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Successful treatment of POEMS syndrome with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation

Bone Marrow Transplantation volume 28, pages 305–309 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) is a plasma cell dyscrasia that differs substantially from classic multiple myeloma. It is often associated with disabling polyneuropathy in younger patients. Current therapeutic approaches are frequently inadequate and leave many patients wheelchair-bound with significant deterioration in quality and length of life. We present the case of a young man with progressive disease despite conventional therapeutic approaches. We describe a novel approach to treatment with a bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical, samarium-153 ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonate (153Sm-EDTMP), followed by myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell reconstitution. This approach resulted in regression of the organomegaly and skin changes and in neurologic improvement both clinically and electrophysiologically. The patient progressed from being wheelchair-bound to independent ambulation. An aggressive approach should be considered in patients with POEMS syndrome in whom standard therapeutic measures fail. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2001) 28, 305–309.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    WJ Hogan, MQ Lacy, A Dispenzieri & MA Gertz

  2. Section of Nuclear Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    GA Wiseman

  3. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    RD Fealey

Authors
  1. WJ Hogan
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  2. MQ Lacy
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  3. GA Wiseman
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  4. RD Fealey
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  5. A Dispenzieri
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  6. MA Gertz
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Hogan, W., Lacy, M., Wiseman, G. et al. Successful treatment of POEMS syndrome with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 28, 305–309 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1703108

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