Successful treatment with bortezomib-containing regimen of primary plasma cell leukemia: a case report

Plasma cell leukemia represents the most aggressive form of plasma cell dyscrasia. We report a 67-year old male with no previous medical illnesses presented with anemic symptoms. Blood film revealed 35% circulating plasma cells, bone marrow biopsy showed plasma cells constituting 85%. Diagnosis of primary plasma cell leukemia was completed. Induction chemotherapy with bortezomib, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone was started. After the first cycle, plasma cells in peripheral blood disappeared. The patient had complete remission at evaluation after the third cycle. Re-evaluation after the sixth cycle showed that he maintained remission. As he was non-transplant eligible, he was we kept on maintenance bortezomib. Twenty-four months after the diagnosis, the patient remains in remission.