Situation 2

David accepted the recommendation to start treatment with VMP. He was prescribed once-weekly subcutaneous Velcade injections, melphalan at 25% of the standard dose which would be titrated against bone marrow (BM) toxicity for subsequent courses, and prednisolone (60mg), given as nine x 6 week cycles of treatment. David also received monthly Aredia™ (pamidronate) infusions at a reduced dose of 30mg.

David was anxious about the possibility that Velcade might exacerbate his neuropathy, the haematologist asked him to speak to Angela, his clinical nurse specialist after the consultation who would be able to explain to David the importance of reporting worsening symptoms early and how his side-effects would be monitored. David was also referred for a consultation with his diabetes CNS for advice on management of his diabetes while on steroids.

Question 2

With David’s renal function and free light chain load what, if anything, can be added to anti-myeloma treatment to reduce the free light chain levels and protect David’s renal function?

Situation 3

David responded well to VMP and by the end of six cycles his light chain levels had plateaued at 500mg/l, having initially been at 7,200mg/l at diagnosis. His renal function was closely monitored and his eGFR remained essentially unchanged.

In terms of treatment toxicities, David had a few minor hyperglycaemic episodes but these resolved once his insulin dose had been adjusted. Pleasingly, no increased neuropathy symptoms were reported. Although David was mildly neutropenic, he had no clinically significant infections and did not require any further dose reductions, beyond those already implemented because of his renal function.

David was relieved to finish the VMP. He found the 50 mile weekly round-trips to hospital exhausting and he hoped the tiredness and mild cognitive impairment he had had during treatment would improve.

At a follow-up nine months post treatment, it was noted that David’s light chain level had increased to 1,970 mg/l. Concerned by this news, David was worried this meant he needed more treatment. While the haematologist tried to reassure him that this was an isolated result and all his other bloods were stable, he asked David to return in two weeks for a repeat test.

The results, two weeks later, showed David’s light chain levels at 2,759 mg/l. Indeed, a third test a month later showed that it had risen again to 4,845 mg/l, confirming a relapse. Even though David was asymptomatic, consideration was now given to his next treatment in light of his renal disease.

Question 3

Which of the following would be suitable for David at this stage?

Situation 4

David felt extremely anxious about starting treatment again. He had been feeling better than he had done in a long while and automatically assumed that Revlimid treatment would make him unwell again. He dreaded the return of the fatigue and cognitive impairment he had struggled with whilst on Velcade and the impact it would have in looking after his wife.

His haematologist stressed that treatment was necessary to gain control of the myeloma and prevent it from causing further damage to the kidneys. What he had recommended was based on David’s personal needs as well as his kidney problems and diabetes but it was important to understand that the side-effects were different for different drugs. He suggested that David speak to Angela, his CNS, about what to expect with Revlimid.

Since David was at an increased risk of VTE with Revlimid, it was important he received effective thromboprophylaxis [9].

Question 4

What thromboprophylaxis would be appropriate in light of David’s clinical history?

Situation 5

David responded well to Revlimid and his light chain levels dropped to 1,480mg/l level during the first three cycles. Unfortunately, he didn’t tolerate the treatment well and as before, became extremely fatigued. At the end of the third cycle, David became cytopenic and required a platelet transfusion. He was also started on G-CSF in an attempt to boost his white cell count.

David also experienced moderate diarrhoea since starting Revlimid. This was found to be due to bile acid malabsorption [11]. David was prescribed a low-fat diet and Cholestagel® (colesevelam), which led to a near-complete resolution of his diarrhoea, with no requirement for Revlimid dose reduction.

In the middle of his sixth cycle of treatment David was admitted to hospital with pneumonia and needed intubation for respiratory support. He made a slow recovery and was eventually discharged seven weeks later.

Although it was possible for David to re-start Revlimid treatment again, he point blank refused, blaming it as the cause of his pneumonia. Understandably, he described his time in the intensive care unit as very distressing and was worried about his wife Susan being on her own again if he had another infection that required another hospital stay. He remained anxious about having further treatments that carried a high-risk of severe infection or of hospitalisation but wanted to talk through the possible next options.

Question 5

What options would you suggest for David at this stage?