This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Bortezomib (Velcade) which is one of a new class of drugs called proteasome Inhibitors (PIs). Proteasomes are found within all cells and their role is to break down proteins. This makes them essential in a host of normal cellular processes like gene expression and message carrying. Research has shown that inhibiting proteasome activity in cancer cells seems to block cell proliferation and increase apoptosis or cell death. Currently bortezomib, which is usually administered intravenously, is approved in the USA for patients with resistant or relapsed myeloma. Hospitals such as Sloan-Kettering in New York have high hopes for PI drugs and are investigating carfilzomib.
Recent research reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida has shown that when Bortezomib is combined with Dexamethasone and intravenous Cyclophosphamide it becomes a highly effective regime for young, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, regardless of the cytogenetic risk factor.
Side effects can include: constipation, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, possible neuropathy, a possibility of shingles and a higher risk of infection.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list