Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Cell Subtype-specific Analysis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome in Somatosensory Neurons
Published on: October 10, 2025
Bortezomib-associated demyelinating neuropathy--clinical and pathologic features
Sujata P Thawani1, Kurenai Tanji, Eduardo A De Sousa
1*Department of Neurology, Columbia Neuropathy Research Center, The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; †Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuromuscular Pathology Laboratory, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY; ‡Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK.
Bortezomib treatment can cause peripheral neuropathy with demyelinating features, not just axonal damage. This finding, confirmed by nerve biopsy, highlights bortezomib as a potential cause of demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor commonly used for multiple myeloma and lymphoma.
- Peripheral neuropathy, typically axonal, is a known side effect of bortezomib.
- Demyelinating neuropathy associated with bortezomib has been suggested by electrodiagnostic studies.
Observation:
- This study reports on four patients who developed peripheral neuropathy during bortezomib treatment.
- Electrophysiological testing was performed on all four patients.
- One patient underwent a nerve biopsy for further examination.
Findings:
- Electrophysiological testing revealed demyelinating features in all four patients with bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy.
- Nerve biopsy in one patient confirmed a demyelinating component alongside axonal degeneration.
- These findings indicate that bortezomib can induce a demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Implications:
- Bortezomib is among a limited number of agents capable of causing demyelinating polyneuropathy with axonal degeneration.
- These results emphasize the importance of considering demyelinating processes in bortezomib-induced neuropathies.
- Clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation should include assessment for demyelination in patients on bortezomib therapy.
