# Fanconi syndrome developing and worsening during anti-myeloma therapy in multiple myeloma: a case report and literature review

**Authors:** Pengpeng Zhang, Peng Li, Xinlian Zhang, Yang Xia, Yujuan Niu, Xinguang Liu, Xuemei Qin

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1735528 · Frontiers in Oncology · 2026-03-11

## TL;DR

A patient with multiple myeloma developed Fanconi syndrome during treatment, highlighting the need for early detection and electrolyte monitoring.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of Fanconi syndrome onset and recurrence during anti-myeloma therapy.

## Key findings

- Fanconi syndrome developed during induction therapy and recurred after stem cell transplantation.
- Electrolyte replacement and phosphate supplementation improved symptoms rapidly.
- Ongoing anti-myeloma therapy led to gradual resolution of glycosuria.

## Abstract

Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal complication of monoclonal gammopathies including multiple myeloma (MM), typically diagnosed before or at the time of MM presentation. Onset and progression of FS during anti-myeloma treatment are extremely rare and easily misdiagnosed, resulting in delayed electrolyte correction and clinical deterioration.

We report a 55-year-old woman with κ light chain MM who developed FS during induction therapy and experienced recurrence after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Initial workup showed subclinical tubular dysfunction with renal glycosuria and elevated tubular markers, which was initially overlooked. Shortly after induction therapy, she developed severe and recurrent hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia accompanied by progressive gastrointestinal symptoms despite hematological remission. A multidisciplinary consultation confirmed MM-associated FS. Electrolyte replacement, particularly phosphate supplementation, rapidly relieved her symptoms. With ongoing anti-myeloma therapy, glycosuria gradually resolved. Following ASCT, FS recurred but resolved with supportive care. The patient has remained in remission during continued follow-up.

Anti-myeloma therapy may transiently induce or exacerbate FS, especially in patients with pre-existing renal tubular dysfunction, likely due to synergistic tubular toxicity of anti-myeloma agents. Early recognition, frequent electrolyte monitoring and prompt correction, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration, are crucial for optimal management of FS.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Fanconi syndrome (MONDO:0001083), multiple myeloma (MONDO:0009693), hypokalemia (MONDO:0003019), hypophosphatemia (MONDO:0000313)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** MM (MESH:D009101), glycosuria (MESH:D006029), renal glycosuria (MESH:D006030), hypokalemia (MESH:D007008), toxicity (MESH:D064420), FS (MESH:D005198), monoclonal gammopathies (MESH:D010265), gastrointestinal symptoms (MESH:D012817), hypophosphatemia (MESH:D017674)
- **Chemicals:** phosphate (MESH:D010710)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

35 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13012924/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13012924