[diane]

kidney function and multiple myeloma

by diane on Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:53 pm

My Husband was diaganosed with kappa light chain secondary to multiple myeloma in 2008 he has had two transplants and is in complete remission now. no maintence for now, he is also on dialysis and has been since he was diaganosed is it possable that his kidneys will recover or that he can get a kidney transplant?

[Dr. Bart Barlogie]

Re: kidney function and multiple myeloma

by Dr. Bart Barlogie on Sun Apr 11, 2010 12:44 pm

The recoverability of kidney function depends on (1) the underlying mechanism of renal failure (cast nephropathy, high calcium levels, amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease), which can be differentiated by the clinical manifestation and ultimately by a kidney biopsy; and (2) the duration of kidney failure.

The highest chance of recovery is seen when effective myeloma therapy is instituted promptly with the greatest reversibility noted in the case of cast nephropathy. Failure to recover kidney function within 6 months dims the prospect for coming off dialysis.

It is necessary to ensure that he is cancer free for at least 5 years before being evaluated for renal transplant.

[Boris Simkovich]

Re: kidney function and multiple myeloma

by Boris Simkovich on Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:35 pm

Diane,

If you haven't seen it already, the Beacon did a four-part series last summer on "Kidney Failure and Multiple Myeloma." You may want to check out the articles -- there may be information here and there that could be helpful to you and your husband.

The four articles were as follows:

Kidney Failure In Multiple Myeloma Patients – Part 1: Overview
Kidney Failure In Multiple Myeloma Patients – Part 2: Treatment
Kidney Failure In Multiple Myeloma Patients – Part 3: Time and Care Commitments
Kidney Failure In Multiple Myeloma Patients – Part 4: Hemodialysis

Good luck!

- Boris.