Skip to main content

Investigational Regimens with Bortezomib for Multiple Myeloma

August 2011 Vol 4, No 4, Special Issue - Multiple Myeloma

Several new regimens with bortezomib (Velcade) are currently being investigated in combination with different agents for various subpopulations of patients with multiple myeloma or were presented at ASCO 2011.

Bortezomib and Dexamethasone

Bortezomib is currently approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Because twice-weekly bortezomib is associated with toxicity such as neuropathy, some studies are investigating new regimens with only once-weekly administration of the drug.

In one study in which patients received a once-weekly regimen of bortezomib for 4 weeks, oral dexamethasone (Decadron) was taken on the day of and the day after receiving bortezomib, for 6 cycles. Among all the patients who have received at least 1 cycle of bortezomib, 64% have achieved a partial response or better, with 15% of them achieving a complete or near-complete response.

An intent-to-treat analysis showed an objective response rate of 78% in 41 patients. Only 1 patient has developed grade 3 neuropathy.

Bortezomib plus Bendamustine

Another trial was an open-label phase 1 study that assessed bortezomib in combination with bendamustine (Treanda) in a heavily pretreated population of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Results showed that the combination was well tolerated, and the objective response rate was nearly 50%, including an approximately 40% response rate in patients who previously received bortezomib, and a clinical benefit rate (responses plus stable disease) of more than 90%.

Other Regimens Under Way

The use of bortezomib in combination with oral panobinostat and dexamethasone is under study in a phase 3 trial of 672 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Results are pending.

A new regimen of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, bortezomib, dexamethasone, and lenalidomide (Revlimid) is under investigation in 40 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Interim data from 27 patients show objective responses in 70% of patients, including a 19% complete response rate.

To date, 1 of these patients has experienced grade 4 reversible thrombocytopenia and 8 patients have developed peripheral neuropathy.

Related Items
New CAR T-Cell Therapy Produces Durable Responses in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Wayne Kuznar
August 2021 Vol 14, Special Issue: Payers' Perspectives in Oncology published on August 9, 2021 in Multiple Myeloma, Conference Highlights ASCO
FDA Approves Darzalex Faspro plus Pomalyst and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma
August 2021 Vol 14, Special Issue: Payers' Perspectives in Oncology published on August 9, 2021 in FDA Approvals, Multiple Myeloma, Conference Highlights ASCO
FDA Approved Pepaxto for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Web Exclusives published on May 10, 2021 in FDA Approvals, Multiple Myeloma, Select Drug Profiles
FDA Approved Abecma, First CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Web Exclusives published on May 10, 2021 in FDA Approvals, Multiple Myeloma, Select Drug Profiles
Xpovio Approved for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
February 2021 Vol 14, Special Issue: Payers' Perspectives in Oncology published on February 24, 2021 in FDA Approvals, Multiple Myeloma
Last modified: August 30, 2021