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CancerQuest > Drugs > Bortezomib (VELCADE® )

Bortezomib (VELCADE® )

Generic Name: Bortezomib Brand Name(s): VELCADE® IUPAC: [(1S)-3-methyl-1-[[(2R)-3-phenyl-2-(pyrazine-2-carbonylamino)propanoyl]amino]butyl]boronic acid FDA Approval: yes Manufacturer Link

Usage: Bortezomib is used to treat multiple myeloma and was approved in 2006 to treat mantle cell lymphoma. ⁽¹⁾ Bortezomib is administered as an injection.

Mechanism: Bortezomib (VELCADE®) is rapidly taken up by body cells, and proteasome inhibition depends on the dose given. Inhibition is completely reversible, and levels of the drug must be allowed to return to baseline before a second administration. As long as the levels are allowed to return to baseline, there is no drug resistance after exposure. ⁽²⁾

Side Effects: Common side effects include: fatigue and weakness, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, lowered blood cell count, nerve pain and vomiting. Women should not become pregnant while taking this medication as it may cause damage to the unborn child. Blood tests should be performed often to monitor any decrease in cell counts. REFERENCE(789)

References for this page:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Office of Oncology Drug Products (accessed 2/4/08) [http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OODP/whatsnew.htm]
2. Adams J. "Development of the proteosome inhibitor PS-341." The Oncologist (2002). 7: 9-16. [PUBMED]