Clinical Evidence

Use of curcumin in multiple myeloma patient’s intolerant of steroid therapy
Clin Case Rep.2020; 00: 1-8. DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2735
Despite several promising strategies for management of Multiple Myeloma. Treatment regimens typically involve a steroid, such as dexamethasone which used in combination with either an immunomodulatory drug (ImiD) or a proteasome inhibitor (PI). However, the administration of dexamethasone remains a challenge, due to its side effects, particularly in elderly patients. Several pre-clinical studies demonstrated curcumin cytotoxic effect on myeloma activity as well as a synergistic effect when used in combination with an IMiD or PI. Further, this pilot study described the use of curcumin instead of dexamethasone in combination therapy in multiple myeloma patients.
Objective:

To assess the safety and efficacy of curcumin therapy, combined with either an IMiD or PI, in the treatment of older (>55 years) multiple myeloma patients intolerant of dexamethasone.

Methods:

In a case-serious study, a total of 15 patients with multiple myeloma (>55 years) who were being treated with either an IMiD or PI plus dexamethasone. Those were developed side effects determined due to the dexamethasone, were selected to replace the dexamethasone with curcumin (at a dose of 3-4 g, daily) and continue with their treatment. They were monitored at intervals ranging from 1 to 3 months, at each visit biochemical and molecular analysis were performed.

Results:
  • The mean duration of disease was 6.9 (±2.9) years, but the average duration of curcumin therapy was 6.1 (±2) years
  • Curcumin in combination with other antimyeloma therapies was able to reduce paraprotein load by 38% and plasmacytosis by 59% over the study period
  • Of all subjects, 12 were in a stable condition and are progressing well with curcumin therapy
Conclusion

Curcumin possesses the potential to impede myeloma activity and improve the quality of life of multiple myeloma patients.