How it Works

Velcade (Bortezomib) works by inhibiting proteasomes. These proteasomes are necessary for many critical cellular functions (growth, division, and survival). When Velcade (Bortezomib) inhibits proteasome function, the normal balance within a cell is disrupted, the myeloma cells stop digesting proteins (leading to a large protein buildup, which becomes toxic for the cell), halting the cell division and chemical production that stimulate other myeloma cells, resulting in the myeloma cells’ death. 

It is important to mention that myeloma cells are more sensitive to these effects than normal cells, so myeloma cells die while normal cells can recover.

How it’s Administered

It is administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into your vein (intravenously or IV) or under your skin (subcutaneously, or SC).

Who Should Take Velcade

Velcade is currently approved for:

• Patients with multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells)
• Patients with mantle cell lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes)

Who Shouldn’t Take Velcade

• You should not receive Velcade if you are allergic to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol
• Patients with existing severe neuropathy should not take Velcade

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Velcade Include: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
• Decreased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell (neutropenia)
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Fatigue
• Nerve pain (neuralgia)
• Low red blood cells (anemia)
• Low white blood cells (leukopenia)
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Decreased number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell (lymphopenia)
• Rash
• Fever 
• Lack of appetite (anorexia)

Commonly Used With

• Lenalidomide 
• Dexamethasone 

Currently Being Tested With Velcade

• Steroids: Dexamethasone, Prednisone
• Chemotherapeutic drugs:  Melphalan, cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin, Etoposide
• Immunomodulators agents: Pomalidomide, Lenalidomide, Thalidomide
• Monoclonal antibodies: Daratumumab, Elotuzumab, Belantamab Mafodotin, Isatuximab, Mezagitamab (TAK-079)
• Histone deacetylase inhibitor: Panobinostat
• Selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE): Selinexor
• Antibiotics with antineoplastic activity: Adriamycin 
• Others: Osalmid, hydroxychloroquine

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