Bortezomib (Velcade(R)) came into the spotlight as a target therapy for multiple myeloma. It acts through reversible inhibition of intracellular proteasomes, which triggers apoptosis, with relative selectivity for malignant cells. It has been hypothesized that the accumulation of damaged proteins in myocytes impairs cardiac function. Cardiotoxicity is a rare side effect of bortezomib treatment. We report a case of reversible systolic heart failure that probably occurred after bortezomib treatment in a patient with multiple myeloma. Patients being treated with bortezomib who have previously had cardiac comorbidities should undergo routine cardiac monitoring.
Apoptosis ; Comorbidity ; Heart Failure* ; Heart Failure, Systolic ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma* ; Muscle Cells ; Bortezomib