Stem cell transplantation for immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis

Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloidogenic light chain fragments that result in progressive organ dysfunction. With a median survival of 12 –17 months AL is a fatal disease1 as death results from rapid clinical deterioration due to the involvement of heart, kidneys, liver and the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of AL involves the use of antineoplastic therapy aiming at eradicating the underlying transformed plasma cells, the source of amyloidogenic light chains, and providing organ directed supportive care.
Source: Current Problems in Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research