A novel combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and clarithromycin produced stringent complete response in refractory multiple myeloma complicated with diabetes mellitus – clinical significance and possible mechanisms: a case report

Background In general, dexamethasone is a required component drug in various combination chemotherapies for treating multiple myeloma, and its efficacy has been widely recognized. However, administration of dexamethasone is known to cause various adverse effects including hyperglycemia which requires insulin therapy. During the course of treatment, we developed a novel effective dexamethasone-free combination regimen and evaluated it for its effect in multiple myeloma.