Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on the Incidence of Bortezomib -Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (BIPN) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Background Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common dose-limiting toxicities associated with bortezomib (B); it can lead to dose reductions or therapy discontinuation. Diabetes mellitus, prior thalidomide treatment, and advanced age have been identified as being risk factors for the developing bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN). Obesity has been identified as being a risk factor for the development of PN with other neurotoxic anticancer agents.We aimed to evaluate the impact of BMI on the incidence and severity of BIPN. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center study of patients treated at Levine Cancer Institute with subcutaneous B between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2017. Eligible patients received at least one full cycle of subcutaneous B and had previously untreated, newly diagnosed MM. Patients who received intravenous B or concomitant thalidomide were excluded. Patients were divided into three groups based on their BMI: normal/underweight (BMI