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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: Update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:1934-1950. [PMID: 37732822 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a life-threatening condition due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder, sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. Risk factors include low serum albumin, age, pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant plasmacytoma, first-line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators and lenalidomide are the mainstays of treatment, the former either in the form of low-dose conventional therapy or as high-dose conditioning for stem cell transplantation. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Daratumumab combinations also appear promising based on case series. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Bou Zerdan M, George TI, Bunting ST, Chaulagain CP. Recent Advances in the Treatment and Supportive Care of POEMS Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237011. [PMID: 36498588 PMCID: PMC9741379 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
POEMS is a rare clonal plasma cell disorder characterized by multi-systemic features that include demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, presence of monoclonal proteins (M-protein), and skin changes. Even though the pathophysiology is poorly understood, recent studies suggest that both clonal and polyclonal plasmacytosis leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic mediators play the central role. These mediators including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the driving forces of the syndrome. The diagnosis of POEMS is not always straight forward and often the diagnosis is delayed. It is based on fulfilling mandatory criteria of polyradiculoneuropathy and monoclonal protein and the presence of one major criterion (Castleman disease, sclerotic bone lesions, or elevated VEGF), and at least one minor criterion. Due to the presence of neuropathy, it can be confused with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP), and if thrombocytosis and splenomegaly are present, it can be confused with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Due to the rarity of the syndrome, clear guidelines for treatment are still lacking. Immediate treatment targeting the underlying plasma cell proliferation results in a dramatic response in most patients. The key is early diagnosis and immediate anti-plasma cell directed therapy for the best clinical outcomes. For patients with disseminated disease as defined by bone marrow involvement or more than three osteosclerotic bone lesions, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT) yields durable responses and is the preferred treatment in eligible patients. For patients with localized bony disease, radiotherapy has proven to be very effective. Lenalidomide and dexamethasone is a proven therapy in patients ineligible for ASCT. In this review article, we tackle the diagnostic approach and discuss the latest treatment modalities of this rare debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida 2950, Weston, FL 33331, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Tracy I. George
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Silvia Tse Bunting
- Division of Hematopathology and Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Florida 2950, Weston, FL 33331, USA
| | - Chakra P. Chaulagain
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida 2950, Weston, FL 33331, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-954-659-5840; Fax: +1-954-659-5810
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: 2021 Update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:872-888. [PMID: 34000085 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. Risk factors include low serum albumin, age, pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and reduced eGFR. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3-6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS Syndrome: 2019 Update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2019; 94:812-827. [PMID: 31012139 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal PCD, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. Risk factors include low serum albumin, age, pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and reduced eGFR. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology and Division of Clinical ChemistryMayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota
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Găman M, Vlădăreanu AM, Dobrea C, Onisâi M, Marinescu C, Cîşleanu D, Ciufu C, Vasile D, Bumbea H, Voican I. POEMS syndrome complicated with multiple ischemic vascular events: case report and review of literature. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:6271-6276. [PMID: 30310290 PMCID: PMC6166759 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s146221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
POEMS syndrome (acronym consisting of: polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes) is an uncommon disorder associated with an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. There is no single specific test for POEMS, and due to its rarity and heterogeneity, patients are often mis- or underdiagnosed. Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, closely related to POEMS syndrome; ~11%–30% of POEMS patients are associated with concomitant CD. In contrast to frequently published reports on vascular events in POEMS syndrome affecting coronary arteries or lower limbs, cases of cerebrovascular events are rarely mentioned in literature. We hereby report a patient with POEMS syndrome accompanied by CD who presented recurrent strokes and splenic infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Găman
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Ana-Maria Vlădăreanu
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Camelia Dobrea
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Minodora Onisâi
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Cristina Marinescu
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Diana Cîşleanu
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Cristina Ciufu
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Daniela Vasile
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Horia Bumbea
- Department of Hematology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, .,Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
| | - Irina Voican
- Department of Hematology, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania,
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Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in POEMS Syndrome: A Nationwide Survey in Japan. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2018; 24:1180-1186. [PMID: 29409882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia presenting with polyneuropathy, λ-type M protein, vascular endothelial growth factor elevation, and systemic manifestations. The standard treatment has not been established, but autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has exhibited effectiveness in this syndrome. However, the efficacy and long-term outcomes of ASCT have not been systematically studied. To clarify the efficacy and long-term outcomes of ASCT-treated patients in Japan, we performed a multicenter retrospective study assessing the clinical course of patients registered to the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Transplant Registry Unified Management Program (TRUMP) database. Between January 2000 and December 2011, 95 patients (58 men) were registered to the TRUMP database with a median age of 53 years (range, 28 to 72). The conditioning regimen was melphalan in 93 of 94 patients (99%), and 69 patients (74.2%) received a melphalan dose ≥ 200 mg/m2. The median CD34 cell dose was 2.47 × 106/kg (range, .31 to 20). After ASCT, patient performance status was dramatically improved (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1: 20.0% versus 71.6%, P < .0001). Over a median follow-up of 46.6 months 10 patients died, and 5-year overall survival was 88.8% (n = 95). Progression-free survival at 3 years was 78.3% (n = 70; median follow-up, 54.4 months). These data support the promising role of ASCT in patients with POEMS syndrome for both prolonging survival and improving quality of life. However, disease recurrence remains a major issue for long-term survivors.
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Alcohol Misuse Link to POEMS Syndrome in a Patient. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9100129. [PMID: 28946631 PMCID: PMC5664068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously called Crow–Fukase syndrome, POEMS syndrome is characterized by poly-neuropathy, osteo-sclerotic myeloma, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes. Extremely elevated levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are characteristic of the syndrome. Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections can also be present in POEMS. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood. The link between chronic alcohol consumption and this malignant condition has not been reported until now. In addition, no previous study has evaluated the influence of cytokine and chemokines or viruses in the severity and evolution of POEMS. Objectives: (1) to describe a heavy-alcohol user, who was diagnosed with POEMS; (2) to demonstrate the utility of quantitative measurement of serum levels of VEGF in the diagnosis of POEMS and the monitoring of therapeutic interventions; (3) to demonstrate that overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a characteristic of POEMS. Methods: We describe a case of a POEMS patient presenting HCV and who is a heavy drinker; we compare the serum levels of cytokines and chemokines between the POEMS patient with 80 patients with HCV, 12 healthy controls, and 80 individuals with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We quantified (ELISA pg/mL) the levels of VEGF, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Regulated-upon-Activation Normal-T-cell-Expressed and presumably-Secreted (RANTES), and Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NFκB). Results: In POEMS patients, VEGF levels were elevated versus control or other diseases, TNFα levels were higher versus control, but lower when compared with HCV or ALD patients. VEGF levels in POEMS patients decreased with therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: Chronic alcohol misuse can be a strong risk factor to rare malignancies such as POEMS syndrome. Extreme elevation of VEGF levels is diagnostic for POEMS syndrome, and should be followed to assess response to therapy. In addition, other comorbidities should be considered individually to ensure personalized therapeutic intervention.
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: 2017 Update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:814-829. [PMID: 28699668 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with 3 of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the plasma cell disorder is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY: For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first-line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3-6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low-dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Mayo Clinic, Professor of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine; Rochester Minnesota 55905
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:951-62. [PMID: 26331353 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the plasma cell disorder is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3-6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Jang IY, Yoon DH, Kim S, Lee K, Kim KK, Lim YM, Min WK, Suh C. Advanced POEMS syndrome treated with high-dose melphalan followed by autologous blood stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience. Blood Res 2014; 49:42-8. [PMID: 24724066 PMCID: PMC3974956 DOI: 10.5045/br.2014.49.1.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation has shown encouraging efficacy in the treatment of patients with POEMS syndrome. However, there are minimal reports on clinical outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with advanced disease and very poor performance status. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 9 advanced POEMS syndrome patients, who had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 3 or 4, and were treated with high-dose melphalan therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation from 2004 to 2011. RESULTS Eight patients achieved initial hematologic response, 4 of whom had complete responses. At a median follow-up of 44 months (range, 8-94 months), 7 patients were alive, with 3-year overall survival rate of 77.8%. There were no hematologic relapses in the survivors. One patient died of disease progression; the other died of pneumonia despite a hematologic response 3 months after autologous stem cell transplantation. All survivors achieved improvement in general performance status and in clinical response. CONCLUSION High-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation can be considered a valid treatment option even for patients with advanced POEMS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Young Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dok Hyun Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoungmin Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Kuk Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Min Lim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Ki Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheolwon Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: 2014 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2014; 89:214-23. [PMID: 24532337 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal PCD, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the PCD is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3-6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN 55906
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Efficacité à moyen terme de l’autogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques périphériques sur la polyneuropathie du syndrome POEMS : expérience chez 5 cas. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2014; 170:37-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with 3 of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the plasma cell disorder is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Long-term outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with POEMS syndrome (osteosclerotic myeloma): a single-center experience. Blood 2012; 120:56-62. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-04-423178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The POEMS syndrome (polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, multiple endocrinopathies, monoclonal protein, skin changes) is a rare disease associated with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Patients with disseminated POEMS can be treated with high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). While clinical improvement is nearly universal in these patients, the long-term outcomes after transplantation are unclear. We therefore assessed the long-term clinical outcomes of 59 POEMS patients treated with ASCT at our institution. With a median follow-up of 45 months, 14 patients have progressed with a progression-free survival of 98% and 75% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Factors associated with progression have included an IgG-λ monoclonal component (hazard ratio [HR] 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-28.3; P = .0008), fluorodeoxyglucose-avid lesions on baseline positron emission tomography (HR 6.4; 95% CI, 1.2-120; P = .03), lack of complete hematologic response (HR 5.4; 95% CI, 1.8-16.7; P = .003), and patients aged 50 years or younger at transplantation (HR 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3-20; P = .01). The most common progression events have been radiologic followed by rising VEGF. Symptomatic progression has been rare. Most patients could be salvaged with immunomodulatory drugs or radiation. The 5-year survival is 94%. Herein, we describe a system of monitoring response and progression among patients with POEMS after ASCT.
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Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome whose acronym stands for less than half of the defining features of the disease, that is, polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, potentially including coexisting Castleman disease, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell neoplasm, and skin changes. The other important features include papilledema, extravascular volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis, elevated VEGF, and abnormal pulmonary function. The diagnosis is based on having both the polyradiculoneuropathy and the monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and at least 1 of the other 3 major criteria (Castleman disease, sclerotic bone lesions, or elevated VEGF) and at least one minor criterion. The diagnosis is often delayed with intervening incorrect diagnoses of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, myeloproliferative disorder, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Prompt treatment directed at the underlying plasma cell clone produces dramatic responses in the majority of patients. Although there are no randomized clinical trial data to direct best therapy, for patients with disseminated disease, high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood transplantation has yielded durable benefit, whereas radiation therapy is typically effective for patients with a more localized presentation. More universal recognition of and more scientific inquiry into the underpinnings of the disease will provide direction toward the best treatment strategies in the future.
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Thoennissen GB, Thoennissen NH, Fritz F, Hilbig A, Kerkhoff A, Liersch R, Krug U, Koschmieder S, Müller-Tidow C, Mesters R, Kropff M, Berdel WE. POEMS syndrome treated with melphalan high-dose therapy and autologous blood stem cell transplantation: a single-institution experience. Ann Hematol 2012; 91:1419-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-012-1473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2011; 86:591-601. [PMID: 21681783 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.22050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell neoplasm. The major criteria for the syndrome are polyradiculoneuropathy, clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), sclerotic bone lesions, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, and the presence of Castleman disease. Minor features include organomegaly, endocrinopathy, characteristic skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload, and thrombocytosis. Diagnoses are often delayed because the syndrome is rare and can be mistaken for other neurologic disorders, most commonly chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. POEMS syndrome should be distinguished from the Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome, which has no clonal PCD and typically little to no peripheral neuropathy but has several of the minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is made with three of the major criteria, two of which must include polyradiculoneuropathy and clonal plasma cell disorder, and at least one of the minor criteria. RISK STRATIFICATION Because the pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood, risk stratification is limited to clinical phenotype rather than specific molecular markers. The number of clinical criteria is not prognostic, but the extent of the plasma cell disorder is. Those patients with an iliac crest bone marrow biopsy that does not reveal a plasma cell clone are candidates for local radiation therapy; those with a more extensive or disseminated clone will be candidates for systemic therapy. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY For those patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy is irradiation. Patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or disseminated bone marrow involvement and for those who have progression of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy should receive systemic therapy. Corticosteroids are temporizing, but alkylators are the mainstay of treatment, either in the form of low dose conventional therapy or high dose with stem cell transplantation. The benefit of anti-VEGF antibodies is conflicting. Lenalidomide shows promise with manageable toxicity. Thalidomide and bortezomib also have activity, but their benefit needs to be weighed against their risk of exacerbating the peripheral neuropathy. Prompt recognition and institution of both supportive care measures and therapy directed against the plasma cell result in the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Kuwabara S. [Advances and perspectives in treatment for refractory neuropathies with special reference to immune-mediated neuropathies and Crow-Fukase syndrome]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2010; 50:219-24. [PMID: 20411803 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.50.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are significant advances in immune-modulating treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in the past 20 years. GBS, however, is still a serious disease with a mortality rate of 8% and 20% of the patients being unable to walk independently a year after onset For CIDP and related disorders such as multifocal motor neuropathy, and demyeinating neuropathy with anti-myelin-associated-glycoprotein (MAG) antibody, treatments should be based on individual pathophysiology. Rituximab could be a promising agent for the subtypes of CIDP refractory to conventional immune treatments. Crow-Fukase syndrome is a rare cause of demyelinating neuropathy with multiorgan involvement Overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), probably mediated by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells, is likely to be responsible for most of the characteristic symptoms. There is no established treatment regimen for Crow-Fukase syndrome. In appropriate candidates, high-dose chemotherapies with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is highly recommended, because this treatment could result in obvious improvement in neuropathy as well as other symptoms. Indication of this treatment has not yet been established, and long-term prognosis is unclear at present. Treatments that should be considered as future therapy against Crow-Fukase syndrome include thalidomide, and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab).
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University
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21
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Créange A, Chater A, Brouet JC, Jaccard A, Rahmouni A, Lefaucheur JP, Santin A. A case of POEMS syndrome treated by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 4:686-91. [PMID: 19043425 DOI: 10.1038/ncpneuro0942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 55-year-old woman with no remarkable medical history presented to a neurology ward with a 17-week history of rapidly progressive gait difficulties that confined her to a wheelchair. INVESTIGATIONS Electroneuromyography, immunoelectrophoresis, bone radiography, lesion-targeted bone-marrow examination, blood tests. DIAGNOSIS Neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. MANAGEMENT High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Créange
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Créteil Cedex, France.
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22
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Dispenzieri A, Lacy MQ, Hayman SR, Kumar SK, Buadi F, Dingli D, Litzow MR, Gastineau DA, Inwards DJ, Elliott MA, Micallef IN, Ansell SM, Hogan WJ, Porrata LF, Johnston PA, Afessa B, Bryce A, Kyle RA, Gertz MA. Peripheral blood stem cell transplant for POEMS syndrome is associated with high rates of engraftment syndrome. Eur J Haematol 2008; 80:397-406. [PMID: 18221391 PMCID: PMC2327207 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a devastating syndrome, characterized by peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cells, skin changes, papilledema, volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis and high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). High-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT) ultimately yields excellent clinical responses, but there can be considerable peritransplant morbidity. We have treated 30 POEMS patients with ASCT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. During transplant period, patients had high rates of fever, diarrhea, weight gain and rash (93%, 77%, 53% and 43%, respectively). Only 13% remained outpatient, and median time to discharge from hospital was transplant day 17 (range 0–175). Splenomegaly was the baseline factor that best predicted for a complicated peritransplant course. Depending on the definition used, ∼50% of patients satisfied criteria for engraftment syndrome. Earlier and more aggressive use of corticosteroids may be associated with less complicated post-transplant courses. Median overall survival has not been reached; the treatment-related mortality was 3%. In addition, important clinical improvements and reductions in plasma VEGF levels can occur in the absence of significant decrease in the monoclonal protein. Unraveling the mechanisms of the syndrome both in the context of ASCT and in general are challenges for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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23
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Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome secondary to a plasma cell dyscrasia. Recognition of the complex of a combination of peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder, skin changes, papilledema, extravascular volume overload (peripheral edema, pleural effusions, ascites), sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis, Castleman disease is the first step in effectively managing the disease. A rise in the blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor is usually confirmatory. More than 95% of patients will have monoclonal lambda sclerotic plasmacytoma(s) or bone marrow infiltration. In patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first line therapy should include radiation to the lesion. Retrospective analysis and personal experience would dictate that systemic therapy be considered for patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or absence of any bone lesion and for those who have not demonstrated stabilization of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy. For those patients with diffuse disease, systemic therapy is indicated. Useful approaches include therapy with corticosteroids, low dose alkylator therapy, and high dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Until the pathogenesis is fully understood, these are the mainstays of treatment for patients with POEMS syndrome. The role of anti-VEGF therapies, immune modulatory drugs, and proteasome inhibitors has not yet been defined, but drugs with known high rates of treatment related neuropathy should not be considered as first line therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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Imai N, Kitamura E, Tachibana T, Konishi T, Suzuki Y, Serizawa M, Okabe T, Fujita H. Efficacy of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in POEMS syndrome with polyneuropathy. Intern Med 2007; 46:135-8. [PMID: 17268130 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
POEMS syndrome (POEMS) is a rare multi-system disease which is typically associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes. We report herein a case of POEMS with progressive polyneuropathy resistant to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy who experienced improvement in polyneuropathy after the administration of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Improvements in polyneuropathy remain despite recognition of monoclonal gammopathy by immunofixation as of 1 year after treatment. We demonstrated that autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation can improve clinical symptoms and signs due to polyneuropathy in POEMS even without achieving complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Imai
- The Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Red Cross Hospital.
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25
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Abstract
Paraproteinemic neuropathies comprise a diverse group of disorders that includes monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, primary amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein and skin changes) syndrome, and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Various factors including hepatitis C virus, vascular endothelial growth factor, and an array of cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions. More recently, a variety of novel antibody specificities, and vasculitis, have also been described as contributory factors in the development of these neuropathies. Therapeutic approaches for paraproteinemic neuropathies have included administration of cytotoxic agents, steroids, interferon-alpha, intravenous immunoglobulin, radiation, bone marrow transplantation, and more recently, drugs such as rituximab and bevacizumab. In this article, we review some of the well-known features of these diseases, and highlight some of the more recent findings from the vast literature for these diseases.
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26
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Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome secondary to a plasma cell dyscrasia. Recognition of the complex of a combination of peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder, skin changes, sclerotic bone lesions, Castleman's disease, thrombocytosis, papilledema, peripheral oedema, pleural effusions, ascites, fingernail clubbing and white nails, is the first step in effectively managing the disease. More than 95% of patients will have monoclonal lambda sclerotic plasmacytoma(s) or bone marrow infiltration. In patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first-line therapy should include radiation to the lesion. Retrospective analysis and personal experience would dictate that systemic therapy be considered for patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or absence of any bone lesion, and for those who have not demonstrated stabilisation of their disease 3-6 months after completing radiation therapy. For those patients with diffuse disease, systemic therapy is indicated. Useful approaches include therapy with corticosteroids, low dose alkylator therapy and high dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Until the pathogenesis is fully understood, these are the mainstays of treatment for patients with POEMS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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27
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Sanada S, Ookawara S, Karube H, Shindo T, Goto T, Nakamichi T, Saito M, Matsubara M, Suzuki M. Marked Recovery of Severe Renal Lesions in POEMS Syndrome With High-Dose Melphalan Therapy Supported by Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. Am J Kidney Dis 2006; 47:672-9. [PMID: 16564945 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2006.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2005] [Accepted: 01/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell disorder, characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, serum monoclonal protein, and skin lesions. Although not included in the acronym, renal lesions also are characteristic of this disease and sometimes require dialysis therapy. We treated a 61-year-old woman with POEMS syndrome with high-dose melphalan therapy (HDT) supported by autologous blood stem cell transplantation (SCT), and clinical remission was achieved. A repeated renal biopsy showed the striking effectiveness of this therapy on renal lesions. Pathological features of the renal lesions, such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis-like lesions, microangiopathic glomerulopathy, and mesangiolytic lesions with microcapillaries, almost completely disappeared. This treatment also markedly decreased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These findings indicate that HDT with SCT is effective, even on renal lesions in patients with POEMS syndrome, and suggest that high serum VEGF concentrations are associated closely with the development of renal lesions in patients with this type of plasma cell disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Sanada
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Center for Translational and Advanced Animal Research, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
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28
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Mineta M, Hatori M, Sano H, Hosaka M, Kokubun S, Hiroki E, Hatakeyama A, Ogasawara T. Recurrent Crow-Fukase Syndrome Associated with Increased Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2006; 210:269-77. [PMID: 17077605 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.210.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Crow-Fukase syndrome (CFS) is a rare multi-system disorder, characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-proteins, skin changes and anasarca, with or without myeloma. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CFS are controversial. CFS may be associated with the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, there have been no reports of monitoring the serum VEGF level after recurrence, to the best of our knowledge. We report a 54-year-old man with CFS presenting with a 3-year history of ascites, anasarca, weakness of the lower extremities, and plasmacytoma in the scapula. At the initial examination, the VEGF level was 1,590 pg/ml (the VEGF level of a healthy control, 78.4 +/- 75.2 pg/ml). After initial treatment with chemotherapy and irradiation of the affected shoulder, the VEGF level decreased to 154 pg/ml and the symptoms disappeared. Twenty one months later, gate disturbance and anasarca recurred, and the VEGF level was over 2,000 pg/dl. After total scaplectomy, the VEGF level decreased to 730 pg/dl and the symptoms disappeared. The serum level of VEGF well correlated to the clinical course of the patient. In conclusion, measurement of the VEGF level is useful for diagnosing CFS and for monitoring its clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuyoshi Mineta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Aobaku, Sendai, Japan
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29
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Abstract
Abstract
POEMS syndrome is defined by the presence of a peripheral neuropathy (P), a monoclonal plasma cell disorder (M), and other paraneoplastic features, the most common of which include organomegaly (O), endocrinopathy (E), skin changes (S), papilledema, edema, effusions, ascites, and thrombocytosis. Virtually all patients will have either sclerotic bone lesion(s) or co-existent Castleman’s disease. Not all features of the disease are required to make the diagnosis, and early recognition is important to reduce morbidity. Other names for the syndrome include osteosclerotic myeloma, Crow-Fukase syndrome, or Takatsuki syndrome. Because the peripheral neuropathy is frequently the overriding symptom and because the characteristics of the neuropathy are similar to that chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), patients are frequently misdiagnosed with CIDP or monoclonal gammopathy of underdetermined significance (MGUS)-associated peripheral neuropathy. Not until additional features of the POEMS syndrome are recognized is the correct diagnosis made and effective therapies initiated. Clues to an early diagnosis include thrombocytosis and sclerotic bone lesions on plain skeletal radiographs. Therapies that may be effective in patients with CIDP and MGUS-associated peripheral neuropathy (intravenous gammaglobulin and plasmapheresis) are not effective in patients with POEMS. Instead, the mainstays of therapy for patients with POEMS include irradiation, corticosteroids, and alkylator-based therapy, including high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Dispenzieri A, Moreno-Aspitia A, Suarez GA, Lacy MQ, Colon-Otero G, Tefferi A, Litzow MR, Roy V, Hogan WJ, Kyle RA, Gertz MA. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in 16 patients with POEMS syndrome, and a review of the literature. Blood 2004; 104:3400-7. [PMID: 15280195 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-05-2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
POEMS syndrome is characterized by peripheral neuropathy (PN), a clonal plasma cell disorder (PCD), organomegaly, endocrinopathy, skin changes, edema, sclerotic bone lesions, and thrombocytosis. Based on the improved response rates observed with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) in patients with other PCDs, autologous PBSCT may be an attractive treatment option for this syndrome. Sixteen patients with POEMS syndrome have undergone PBSCT at Mayo. Of these patients, 15 had a severe rapidly progressive sensorimotor PN (9 were wheelchair dependent) and 14 were male. Median age was 51 years (range, 19-62 years). The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range, 0-7). From first symptoms and from diagnosis of POEMS the times to transplantation were 42 months and 5 months (ranges, 8-185 months and 2-149 months), respectively. There were 15 patients who had significantly abnormal pretransplant pulmonary function tests. There was one transplant-related death. During the peritransplant period, 5 patients required intubation for respiratory compromise, including one who required intubation during his stem cell mobilization period. Another patient required noninvasive biphasic positive airway pressure throughout his course. Of the 14 evaluable patients, all have had neurologic improvement or stabilization. Other features have improved substantially. PBSCT for POEMS syndrome is effective therapy but may also be associated with significant morbidity. (Blood. 2004;104:3400-3407)
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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31
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Abstract
POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes) syndrome is a rare multisystemic paraneoplastic syndrome driven by an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. More than 95% of patients will have monoclonal lambda sclerotic plasmacytoma(s) or bone marrow infiltration. Recognition of the complex of a combination of peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasmaproliferative disorder, skin changes, sclerotic bone lesions, Castleman disease, thrombocytosis, papilledema, peripheral edema, pleural effusions, ascites, fingernail clubbing, and white nails is the first step in effectively managing the disease. Once a patient has been completely evaluated, each component of the disease should be addressed, while finalizing a treatment plan for the underlying plasma cell proliferative disorder. In patients with a dominant sclerotic plasmacytoma, first-line therapy should include radiation to the lesion. Retrospective analysis and personal experience would dictate that systemic therapy be considered for patients with diffuse sclerotic lesions or absence of any bone lesion and for patients who have not demonstrated stabilization of their disease 3 to 6 months after completing radiation therapy. Treatments with demonstrated benefit include corticosteroids, low-dose alkylator therapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Until the pathogenesis is fully understood, these are the mainstays of treatment for patients with POEMS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dispenzieri
- Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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32
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Lagueny A, Bouillot S, Vital C, Ferrer X, Larrieu JM, Vital A. Le syndrome POEMS (ou syndrome de Crow-Fukase). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2004; 160:285-95. [PMID: 15037841 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(04)70903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
POEMS is an acronym for polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin changes. POEMS syndrome is also called Crow-Fukase syndrome, chiefly in Japan. The 5 above mentioned features are not always present at the first examination. The minimal criteria to establish the diagnosis are the presence of a demyelinating and axonal polyneuropathy associated with an IgA or IgG monoclonal gammopathy, the light chain being almost always lambda, and at least 2 of the 8 other features: sclerosing plasmocytoma, endocrinopathy, skin changes, organomegaly, Castleman's disease, anasarca, papillary edema or thrombocytosis. Among these features, only cutaneous glomeruloid angioma are specific. Ultrastructural identification of uncompacted myelin lamellae on the peripheral nerve biopsy is also a strong argument in favor of the diagnosis. An associated "osteosclerotic" bone lesion must be carefully searched, because its treatment may improve the other features of the syndrome, especially the neuropathy. Cytokines and the vascular growth endothelial factor might play a role in the pathogenesis of this rare multisystemic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lagueny
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
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