Gaucher's disease: the changing paradigm of a lysosomal disorder

Gaucher's disease (GD) is the most common lysosomal storage disease with a frequency of approximately 1:50,000 people. It is the result of the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. The deficiency of the enzyme results in the accumulation of the substrate, glucosyl-ceramide, in the organs. Substitutive enzymatic treatment has been available since almost 20 years. This brief overview highlights some of the most important milestones and the treatments for this disease. The study of this rare disorder is beginning to provide information on the pathogenesis of common diseases such as Parkinson's disease or cancer. Individuals with GD are at greater risk of developing cancer in general, especially hepatobiliary and hematologic (multiple myeloma and B-cell neoplasms). This association has been attributed to the immunologic abnormalities associated with abnormal expression of cytokines such as interleukin-6. Alternative and complementary, some recently marketed and licensed, are providing options for patients throughout Europe and the world.