SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THALIDOMIDE IN PATIENTS WITH POEMS SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein, and Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a typical form of monoclonal gammapathy of clinical significance (MGCS). The acronym MGCS was coined by Jean-Paul Fermand and colleagues(1)to generalise the notion of monoclonal gammapathy of renal significance, in which the toxicity of a monoclonal immunoglobulin produced by a B-cell clone is directed against various renal structures(2). The first case of POEMS syndrome successfully treated with thalidomide was reported in 2004(3). The authors then reported that thalidomide reduced serum VEGF concentrations and increased nerve conduction velocity in nine patients who were not suitable for autotransplantation because of advanced age or severe illness. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of thalidomide for the treatment of POEMS syndrome about one case.