The results of a recent retrospective study suggest that treatment with Velcade or thalidomide may increase multiple myeloma patients’ risk of developing abnormal lung function.

Specifically, patients treated with Velcade (bortezomib)-based regimens were twice as likely to develop lung obstruction, and those treated with thalidomide (Thalomid)-based regimens were twice as likely to develop lung restriction.

However, the study investigators note that their study did not include information about lung disease patients may have had before their myeloma therapy.  The researchers acknowledge that this could affect the interpretation of the study …