Successful treatment of multiple myeloma-associated amyloidosis by interferon-alpha, dimethyl sulfoxide, and VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone)

A 45-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital because of a mass i n the submandibular region, abnormal hematologic findings, and proteinuria. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made based on the results of bone marr ow analysis and M-protein in hematologic tests, and a diagnosis of amyloido sis was made on the basis of deposition of amyloid in the rectal submucosal and lip tissues and the mass in the submandibular region. Combination ther apy of interferon (IFN)-alpha at 1-day intervals and daily oral dimethyl su lfoxide (DMSO) and vincristine, adriamycin, and dexamethasone (VAD) resulte d in a marked decrease in the size of the mass and hypertrophy of the back, as well as a decrease in the levels of plasma cells in bone marrow and of M-protein and immunoglobulin G in serum. The results of this case indicate that long-term administration of IFN-alpha and DMSO with VAD is effective i n treating amyloidosis with multiple myeloma. Int J Hematol. 2000;72:491-49 3. (C)2000 The Japanese Society of Hematology.