Frontline chemotherapy with bortezomib-containing combinations improves response rate and survival in primary plasma cell leukemia: a retrospective study from GIMEMA Multiple Myeloma Working Party

Results: An overall response rate of 79% was observed, with 38% of at least very good partial remission. Grade 3–4 hematological, neurological, infectious, and renal toxic effects occurred in 20%, 21%, 16%, and 4% of patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 24 months, 16 patients were alive (55%), 12 of whom were in remission phase and 4 relapsed. The best long-term results were achieved in patients who received stem-cell transplantation after bortezomib induction. Conclusion: Bortezomib, used as initial therapy, is able to increase the percentage and the quality of responses in PPCL patients, producing a significant improvement of survival.