Amyloidosis

Treatment

Amyloidosis treatment seeks to limit further production of the amyloid protein. Treatments vary, depending on which type of amyloid protein is present; where it is being deposited; and how it affects the organ(s) and other tissues. Currently, amyloidosis has no cure, but treatment that targets the cells that make the amyloid protein may limit further production and improve a patient's overall quality of life.

Medications and Diet Important

An important aspect of managing amyloidosis is aggressively treating symptoms caused by the disease. Primarily, management focuses on medications and diet. For example, if amyloidosis affects the heart or kidneys, a low-salt diet may help limit fluid retention. Diuretics or other medications may also help. Well-balanced nutrition is important to provide the body with adequate energy. Although amyloid is a protein, dietary protein intake and amyloidosis are not linked.

AL Amyloidosis

Chemotherapy, including peripheral stem cell transplantation, is the bedrock treatment for the most common form, light chain or AL amyloidosis. Peripheral stem cell transplantation uses high-dose chemotherapy and transfusion of previously-collected immature blood seed cells (stem cells) to replace diseased or damaged marrow. These cells may come from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). See bone marrow transplants at Mayo Clinic.

Chemotherapy options that can be used in conjunction with stem cell transplant include melphalan (Alkeran) and dexamethasone. Melphalan is available in injection or table form and is typically used as a cancer treatment. Melphalan may also be administered in conjuction with dexamethasone (a class of steroid hormone). Amyloidosis treatments can vary widely, depending on the patient and the affected organ(s) and tissue(s). Likewise, how long treatment lasts and possible hospital stays can vary considerably.

Secondary Amyloidosis

More aggressive treatment options may be employed to directly target the underlying disease responsible for amyloidosis. Aggressive treatment can improve symptoms and/or possibly slow or halt the progression of amyloidosis. Complications arising from the underlying condition and the treatment can include heart or kidney failure and can require additional treatment.

Familial Amyloidosis

Organ transplant is the primary therapy for familial (hereditary) types of amyloidosis.

Mayo Clinic continuously tests new medications and therapies to determine which might effectively manage amyloid deposits and provide new treatment options for amyloidosis.