Bortezomib
Bortezomib ia administered intravenously and subcutaneously, where around 80% of the drug binds to plasma proteins in the body. Bortezomib is approved for the treatment of multiple myelomaAlso: malignant plasmocytoma. A cancer of the bone marrow in which plasma cells overgrow the normal cells. Plasma cells are B-cells that are fully differentiated and are producing antibodies. and mantle cell lymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'..1
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. 1
The diagram below shows the 3D molecular structure of Bortezomib.
Common side effects include: fatigue and weakness, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, lowered blood cell count, nerve pain and vomiting. However, these symptoms frequently decrease with more cycles of treatment. 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. 2
- 1.a. b. Chu, E., & DeVita, V. T. (2015). Physicians' cancer chemotherapyTreatment of cancer patients with anticancer drugs. Commonly called 'chemo'. These drugs work by attacking cell growth or division. Often these agents are used in combination to take advantage of their different modes of attack on cell division. drug manual 2015. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- 2.Velcade.. Prescribing Information. Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. July, 2016. [http://www.velcade.com]