Bortezomib-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Cell Subtype-specific Analysis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome in Somatosensory Neurons
09:27

Cell Subtype-specific Analysis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome in Somatosensory Neurons

Published on: October 10, 2025

Gaku Oshikawa1, Akira Kojima, Noriko Doki

  • 1Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Japan. gaku.oshikawa@gmail.com

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|January 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), a rare bortezomib side effect, occurred in a multiple myeloma patient without typical causes. Symptoms resolved after bortezomib cessation and corticosteroid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor used in multiple myeloma treatment.
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological side effect associated with certain therapies.
  • Typical PRES etiologies include hypertensive crisis and uremic encephalopathy.

Observation:

  • A multiple myeloma patient undergoing bortezomib induction therapy developed PRES.
  • The patient did not present with hypertension or uremia at the onset of PRES.
  • PRES symptoms appeared during the initial phase of bortezomib treatment.

Findings:

  • This case highlights an unusual presentation of bortezomib-induced PRES.
  • The absence of common PRES triggers suggests a direct link to bortezomib.
  • Complete symptom resolution was achieved by discontinuing bortezomib and administering corticosteroids.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of bortezomib-associated PRES is crucial for prompt management.
  • This emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding neurological complications in patients receiving bortezomib.
  • Increased use of bortezomib necessitates awareness of its potential rare side effects.

More Related Videos

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs10:44

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs

Published on: May 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...