Carfilzomib: a rare cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and myeloma

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has rarely been described in myeloma, but chemotherapy is a known risk factor. We report 3 patients with myeloma who developed PRES, and analyzed them with 13 published cases, mostly women. The most frequent causative agents were proteasome inhibitors and autologous stem cell transplantation. Risk factors were frequently associated: hypertension, infection or renal failure. Symptoms included headache, blurred vision, altered mental status, seizures. Most patients experienced rapid clinical recovery, without relapse even after resuming treatment. Although rare, we must remain vigilant about PRES in myeloma patients. Stricter control of blood pressure could limit its occurrence.

Carfilzomib Induced Tumor Lysis Syndrome and Other Adverse Events

In the area of multiple myeloma (MM) therapy, proteasome inhibitors (PI) have emerged with promising responses both in the first- and second-line setting. Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a second-generation, selective PI approved in 2012 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in patients who received 2 prior therapies or have evidence of disease progression within 60 days of completion of last therapy. Its safety profile reported adverse events (AEs) ranging from drug-related AEs (nausea and vomiting), hematologic AEs (neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), and nonhematologic AEs (electrolyte imbalances). As CFZ use is gaining popularity, various hematological, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological toxicities have been reported. We are presenting this case to describe a rare occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) with the use of this novel targeted therapy.

Status Epilepticus and Blindness in a Patient with Carfilzomib-Associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition characterized by headaches, visual disturbances, and seizures. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of an affected brain typically shows symmetrical white matter edema in the posterior cerebral hemispheres. The onset of PRES can constitute a medical emergency, especially when accompanied by status epilepticus. If promptly recognized and treated, the clinical syndrome and associated radiological findings are usually resolved in a matter of weeks or months. Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor that is newly approved for relapsing myeloma in a patient who has received one or more lines of therapy. In this paper, we report on a 52-year-old female on carfilzomib for multiple myeloma who developed PRES following her second dose of treatment. She was admitted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, and while she was in the hospital, she developed a severe headache, blindness, and status epilepticus. A brain MRI showed signs consistent with PRES. After carfilzomib was discontinued, her symptoms resolved within three days. Unfortunately, the patient passed away shortly after being discharged, so there was no opportunity to perform a repeat MRI.