Amyloidosis is a rare protein deposition disease. It is caused by amyloid, an abnormal protein that can build up in body tissue or organs. When amyloid protein deposits increase, it interferes with function and may cause organ failure. Systemic amyloidosis is the most common. Although amyloidosis is not cancer, it may be associated with blood cancers like multiple myeloma.

Sylvester specialists see the most cases of amyloidosis in Florida and have investigator-initiated clinical trials and a large amyloid support group. Amyloidosis can affect many organs and lead to multiple organ failures. Treatment here is handled by a collaborative multi-disciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team includes hematologic oncologists, cardiologists and cardiac and liver transplant specialists. As members of the National Consortium of Amyloid Trial Centers, your Sylvester specialist has access to even more clinical trials.

One program unique to Sylvester is an amyloid early detection program. We screen people with carpal tunnel syndrome for amyloidosis. The syndrome can be an early sign of amyloidosis. That allows us to pick up the disease early and start treatment, making for a better prognosis.

Our doctors are actively involved in clinical trials. Clinical trials investigate new chemotherapy regimens, and other approaches to treat cancer. Sylvester patients have immediate access to the latest therapies available for their cancer.

Tests

Biopsy
A biopsy is a sample of tissue that's taken from your bone marrow, fat, or your liver or kidney. Your doctor uses a biopsy to learn more about the type of amyloid buildup.

Blood and Urine Tests
These tests look for proteins that signal amyloidosis.

Treatments

Chemotherapy (Systemic Medical Therapy)
Chemotherapy is cancer-fighting medicine given as a pill or intravenously (via a needle). The medicine stops the growth of the cells that make amyloid.

Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT)
In some instances, your stem cells (cells that can develop into different types of cells in your body) are collected and stored for a short time while you undergo high-dose chemotherapy. After chemotherapy is finished, the cells are returned to your body intravenously (through a vein) to replace normal cells that were destroyed during chemotherapy.

Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has reaffirmed us as South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center. We have been recognized for our scientific leadership, our commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, as well as our engagement with the communities that we serve. For patients, this designation translates into greater access to leading-edge treatment options, including clinical trials that prioritize your specific cancer.