The safety of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma

INTRODUCTION: There is now 16 years' worth of established results of various trials demonstrating the bortezomib efficiency in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Over this time, the introduction of bortezomib has been a major break through in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Bortezomib can be administered in the outpatient setting with manageable toxicities. Areas covered: A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. This review gives an overview of the critical role of the bortezomib in multiple myeloma and provides a comprehensive summary of key clinical benefit and safety data with the bortezomib. Initial toxicity profile has improved dramatically with introduction of subcutaneous administration and also, implementation of guidelines for early recognition and treatment. Triplet and quadruplets of bortezomib with agents possessing similar toxicities constitute a challenge. Expert opinion: Bortezomib is an important part of current anti-myeloma therapy with a good clinical efficacy and manageable side effects. Although gastrointestinal disturbances and fatigue are the most common adverse effects, peripheral neuropathy and thrombocytopenia are the key dose-limiting toxicities of bortezomib-based combination regimens. Since these combinations are more effective, with faster disappearance of disease related symptoms and anti-inflammatory effects of bortezomib toxicities were not found to be augmented.