Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration predicts polyneuropathy and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients

Abstract Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein with a potent influence on several aspects of neuronal and blood vessel functions. However, its prognostic potential and functional role in multiple myeloma (MM) remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the influence of BDNF on the risk of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and clinical outcome. Study group consisted of 91 newly‐diagnosed MM patients treated with bortezomib and/or thalidomide‐based chemotherapy. Detection of BDNF in serum was performed using ELISA. Polyneuropathy was assessed according to the CTCAE Criteria v5. We observed that BDNF concentration correlated with the severity of polyneuropathy ( P = 0·0463). Higher BDNF values were noted in patients who responded to treatment ( P = 0·0326), and BDNF proved to be a useful marker to predict lack of response after eight cycles of treatment (sensitivity – 100%, specificity – 61·5%, P = 0·0142). Moreover this marker showed significant diagnostic usefulness in diagnosis of CIPN (sensitivity – 76%, specificity – 71·43%; area under the curve (AUC)= 0·77, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0·64–0·88; P < 0·0001). Low BDNF was an independent, unfavourable prognostic factor associated with reduced overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 2·79, P = 0·0470). In conclusion, BDNF level may play a prognostic role and constitute a useful biomarker in predicting CIPN in MM patients.