Jody Kocer and Amy Modean, of Millennium, spoke to the group about Velcade. This is some of the information presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference last December:
- Velcade is now for newly-diagnosed patients as well as patients with recurring or refractory disease.
- Trials are determining what combinations of Velcade and other drugs will give the best outcomes.
- A French study has shown that once-weekly works as well as twice-weekly infusions, takes a little longer, but with far less neuropathy.
- The initial dosage is pretty much the same for anyone, except a few people whose liver may be at risk.
- Trials have shown that 1.3 mg/metersq and 1.0 both show efficacy, but 1.3 is the standard of care.
- The Phase II study that established 1.3 mg & twice-weekly infusions was done on patients with several prior therapies, so neuropathy was not as big an issue for two reasons:
- One, many patients had neuropathy already, and
- Two, they had used up most options other than Velcade, and therefore accepted the neuropathy because Velcade kept them alive.
- According to one poster talk at ASH, giving Tanespimycin with Velcade may reduce neuropathy. Studies are needed first.
- There is a second-generation proteazome inhibitor in the works at Millennium.
- People on Velcade should take an antiviral, because some patients do get shingles. Acyclovir is hard to get right now, but a patient on Velcade should take something.
A new group is forming in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It meets the second Monday of every month, 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Luther Middleford Hospital, 1221 Whipple Street, Eau Claire, WI, 54703. Phone (715) 838-3311. You are invited! Call first to confirm the time and date.
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