Efficacy and safety of plasmapheresis without plasma transfusion tandem with chemotherapy to treat multiple myeloma

Objectives This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of plasmapheresis without plasma transfusion tandem with chemotherapy in treating multiple myeloma (MM). Method This retrospective study involves seventy-two patients, newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, divided into two groups; one with plasmapheresis without plasma transfusion tandem with the chemotherapy group (Trial group), while the second was chemotherapy group (Control group). The levels of Plasma Globulin, beta 2-microglobulin, Creatinine, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and IL-6 were monitored after plasmapheresis, at initial diagnosis, and after four chemotherapy courses. Overall response rate of groups after four courses of chemotherapy was analyzed, and the adverse events were recorded. Results and Discussion The baseline data showed that sixty-seven percent of patients were at the ISS III stage and showed more severe renal insufficiency in the Trial group. The Plasma Globulin, beta 2-microglobulin, VEGF and IL-6 levels were significantly different between the two groups during the initial diagnosis. After three times plasmapheresis, Plasma Globulin, beta 2-microglobulin, VEGF, and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the plasmapheresis group. The Creatinine levels were also lowered, but the differences were not statistically significant. After four courses of chemotherapy, the levels of VEGF and IL-6 in the two groups were significantly reduced than the initial diagnosis; the differences were statistically considerable. No adverse events were found in the trial group as compared to the control group. Conclusion Plasmapheresis reduces Globulin, beta 2-microglobulin, serum VEGF and IL-6 levels in MM, improves renal functions, and releases some patients from dialysis dependence.