Velcade shown effective against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Well, it was nearly 2 years ago when I first wrote about new trials of Velcade® (bortezomib) for treating Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a stubborn form of NHL that has resisted treatment for many patients.

According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology [Kahl B, Bernstein S, Fisher R. Multicenter Phase II Study of Bortezomib in Patients With Relapsed or Refractive Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2006;24:4867-4874], Velcade is an effective treatment option for patients with mantle cell lymphoma that has stopped responding to prior therapies.

Researchers from several medical institutions in the US recently conducted a clinical trial to evaluate Velcade in the treatment of 15 patients with mantle cell lymphoma that has recurred or progressed following prior therapies.

Anticancer responses occurred in 33% of patients. After 13.4 months of follow-up, over half of the patients are still with us.

The researchers concluded that treatment with Velcade is effective for patients with mantle cell lymphoma that has stopped responding to prior therapies.

Proteosome inhibitor

Velcade is an agent referred to as a proteosome inhibitor. It interferes with the growth and survival of cancer cells responsible for some types of blood (hematologic) cancers. Velcade continues to be evaluated for the treatment of several types of cancers.

The most common severe side effects included side effects to the nerves, fatigue, and low levels of platelets.

Patients with mantle cell lymphoma may wish to speak with their physician regarding their individual risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial further evaluating Velcade or other promising therapeutic approaches.