Objective   To observe the therapeutic effect of bortezomib on multiple myeloma (MM) and the change in its hematological indexes.     Methods   Of the 18 patients with MM admitted to Hematopathy Center

Third Military Medical University from April 2007 to December 2009

7 had newly diagnosed MM and 11 had relapsed or refractory MM. MM was treated with bortezomib in combination with chemotherapy

3 weeks a course

for at least 1 to 6 courses

to observe its effect and change in hematological indexes.     Results   Complete remission (CR) of MM was achieved in 5 out of the 7 patients with newly diagnosed MM. Of the 5 patients

1 received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and 2 had a partial response (PR). Of the 11 patients with refractory or relapsed MM

2 had a PR

7 had CR

and 2 had no response (NR). The number of plasma cells and the levels of serum total protein (TP)

globulin (G)

M protein

urine protein

β2-microglobulin

lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

creatinine (Cr)

and urine acid (UA) decreased significantly with the cycle of chemotherapy. However

the hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) level and A/G ratio increased significantly. The main side effects included peripheral neuropathy

ostealgia and gastrointestinal disorders

which were transient and improved after treatment.    Conclusion   Bortezomib is effective against newly-diagnosed refractory and relapsed MM

with acceptable side effects

and can significantly improve the related hematological indexes.