Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Black Patients With Newly Diagnosed Myeloma

By: Jenna Carter, PhD
Posted: Wednesday, August 9, 2023

In the Black population, multiple myeloma is the most common hematologic malignancy. Bortezomib, a selective inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, has become part of the standard induction regimen for newly diagnosed patients; however, it comes with debilitating adverse events. Understanding whether Black race is a risk factor for such adverse events is key in developing alternative prevention strategies. R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, of Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, and colleagues found that the incidence of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy was higher in Black patients than non-Black patients. Findings published in JCO Oncology Practice also revealed no apparent differences in the incidence of neuropathy when comparing the routes of drug administration. 

A total of 140 Black patients with multiple myeloma were included in this single-center retrospective study. Participants were matched with 140 non-Black patients with multiple myeloma based on sex, body mass index, age, and route of administration of treatment. The incidence of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy—defined as new use of a neuropathy medication, bortezomib dose reduction, dose omission, or discontinuation of therapy—was examined using univariate logistics regression analysis.

Overall findings revealed that the incidence of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy was higher in Black patients (46%) than in non-Black patients (34%; P = .05) in both univariate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–2.61; P = .052) and multivariable (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.01–2.67; P = .047) analyses. Additionally, there were no significant differences when data were stratified by the route of administration.

“Black race is an independent risk factor for the development of [bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy] … [and] additional prevention strategies, close monitoring, and appropriate supportive care measures are warranted for these patients,” concluded the study authors.

Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit ascopubs.org.

JCO Oncology Practice

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