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Multiple Myeloma is a form of cancer that results in an overgrowth of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, causing an overproduction of proteins known as Free Light Chains (FLCs). Many myeloma patients have abnormal levels of Free Light Chains in their blood; when these FLCs reach the kidneys and enter the distal tubules they form waxy casts (cast nephropathy) that block the flow of urine and cause interstitial inflammation - ultimately leading to acute kidney injury.
Improving survival rates
The survival rate of patients experiencing acute kidney failure caused by cast nephropathy is very low and is closely linked to the recovery of renal function.2,3 Recent data suggests that improved survival rates may be achieved by rapid reduction of FLCs in combination with the effective removal of malignant plasma cells by chemotherapy.1
Multiple Myeloma patients with acute kidney failure have traditionally received dialysis to treat the renal failure, and other treatment methods to reduce the level of FLCs in the blood.4,5 With the introduction of High Cut-off Technology, it is possible to achieve a rapid reduction of FLCs in combination with effective dialysis treatment. In pilot studies, kidney function was restored in as many as 70% of the patients participating in the studies.1
Introducing Theralite
Theralite further enhances the efficacy achieved by Gambro’s High Cut-off filter, HCO™ 1100 (first introduced in 2007), by optimizing FLC removal while simultaneously minimizing albumin loss. The greater surface area of Theralite means that it can achieve higher levels FLC removal. The product’s modern design and improved bundling and undulation of fibres also results in a more effective dialysis treatment compared with the HCO 1100.
There is an ongoing randomized clinical trial, EuLITE, being carried out in Europe, which aims to validate High Cut-off Therapy as a treatment that can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life among patients.6
Theralite™ is available in over 35 countries; please find more details related to Theralite™ and its availability on www.gambro.com.
References:
1. Hutchison CA, et al. Treatment of acute renal failure secondary to multiple myeloma with chemotherapy and extended high cut-off hemodialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009;4:745–754
2. Hutchison CA, et al. Free light chain removal hemodialysis increases renal recovery rate and improves patient survival in patients with cast nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2008 (Abstract SO019).
3. Hutchison CA, et al. Serum free light chain measurement aids the diagnosis of myeloma in patients with severe renal failure. BMC Nephrol 2008;9:11.
4. Leung N, et al. Improvement of cast nephropathy with plasma exchange depends on the diagnosis and on reduction of serum free light chains. Kidney Int 2008;73:1282–1288.
5. Cserti C, et al. Light-chain removal by plasmapheresis in myeloma-associated renal failure. Transfusion 2007;47:511–514.
6. Hutchison CA, et al. European trial of free light chain removal by extended haemodialysis in cast nephropathy (EuLITE): A randomised control trial. Trials 2008;9:55–62 (Accessible at: http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/9/1/55.)
For further information please contact:
Maria Lundbäck, Director External Communications, Gambro, +46705136534
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