POEMS SYNDROME: CLINICAL CASE. AUTOLOGICALTRANSPLANTATION OF PERIPHERAL HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLSAS AN EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT OPTION.

Abstract

Introduction. POEMS is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic syndrome, secondary to plasma cell dyscrasia, accompanied
by symptoms and/or signs of peripheral polyneuropathy (P), osteosclerotic lesions, Castleman's disease, organomegaly (O),
endocrinopathy (E), serum monoclonal protein (M) edema, typical changes in the skin (S), optic and/or nerve disc edema,
serum VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) level elevation. Despite the insignificant level of monoclonal secretion in
comparison with multiple myeloma, the treatment of POEMS syndrome is carried out according to a similar protocol. Highdose chemotherapy with subsequent transplantation of peripheral stem cells is considered the most effective. Here we
present a patient with POEMS syndrome who achieved a rapid complete response to double therapy consisting of systemic
chemotherapy followed by autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells.
Case description. A 56-year-old man presented with generalized edema syndrome, significant weight loss, and
progressive weakness in lower extremities. A vivid clinical picture practically excluded other diagnostic alternatives, and a
diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was made. After systemic chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation, a complete hematological response was achieved, and the patient showed clinical recovery.
Conclusion. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective
therapy for young age patients with POEMS syndrome.