Gastrointestinal relapse of multiple myeloma and sustained response to lenalidomide: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal relapse in patients with multiple myeloma is very rare and, when reported, always associated with a poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 71-year-old Caucasian man who presented with life-threatening hematemesis and melena due to a digestive relapse of his multiple myeloma. Despite the active hemorrhage, we initiated a third-line treatment with lenalidomide. The response was spectacular and long-lasting. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians must consider digestive tract involvement in myeloma patients presenting with a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Furthermore, myeloma patients do benefit from novel oral drugs, even when they are critically ill.