P1-19-4 - An Evaluation of the Incidence of Adverse Events by Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Administration of Bortezomib

Abstract

Background and Purpose: After a subcutaneous administration of bortezomib has become available in December 2012, it becomes a standard administration route of bortezomib. We evaluated the incidence of adverse events by subcutaneous versus intravenous administration of bortezomib in our outpatient chemotherapy center from January 2012 to December 2013.Results: Total 24 multiple myeloma and/or AL-amyloidosis cases were treated by bortezomib: nine cases with intravenous administration, seven with intravenous/subcutaneous (switched from intravenous to subcutaneous), and eight with subcutaneous. Neuropathy was observed in eight out of nine cases with intravenous administration, all seven with intravenous/subcutaneous, five out of eight with subcutaneous. Among intravenous cases, grade 2 and 3 neuropathy was observed in each one case, respectively. In contrast, grade 2-4 neuropathy was not observed in subcutaneous group. Diarrhea was observed in four out of nine cases in an intravenous group, six out of seven in intravenous/subcutaneous group, and five out of eight with subcutaneous group.Conclusion: In this assessment, the frequency and the severity of peripheral neuropathy in the subcutaneous group were lower and milder than those in intravenous group, and it is compatible to the previous reports. Since continuous administration of bortezomib is necessary for successful treatment of multiple myeloma patients, it is very important to avoid neuropathy and diarrhea. Our data demonstrate that subcutaneous administration is safe and effective for continuous treatment of myeloma patients with bortezomib containing regimens.