Also known as: Velcade
Drug Information: Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor, a type of drug which targets structures inside the cell responsible for breaking down proteins. It has been theorized that cancerous cells are particularly vulnerable to this sort of induced dysfunction. It is typically given twice-weekly; weekly regimens were attempted in trials, and had fewer side effects but limited response rates.
Health Canada has approved bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The FDA has also approved bortezomib for mantle cell lymphoma.
Side Effects: Low platelet counts, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, sensory neuropathy, constipation, diarrhea (35%), fatigue (40%), nausea (30%), constipation (30%), rash (14%)
Clinical Trials: At a twice-weekly dosage, one trial found an overall response rate of 60% in 10 follicular lymphoma patients, including 2 complete remissions. At a reduced weekly dosage, the response rate in 14 follicular lymphoma patients fell to 14%.
Published Studies
John Gerecitano et al. "Phase 2 Study of Weekly Bortezomib." British Journal of Haematology (2009).
O.A. O'Connor et al. "Phase II Clinical Experience with the Novel Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib." Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005).
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