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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/news/Health-Canada-approves-bortezomib-for-second-line-use-in-multiple-myeloma-patients-965.html

Health Canada approves bortezomib for second-line use in multiple myeloma patients

06-07-2006

Velcade (bortezomib) for injection has received Health Canada approval under a Notice of Compliance with Conditions for the treatment of progressive multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, in patients who have received at least one prior therapy and who have already undergone or are unsuitable for stem cell transplantation.

The second-line approval for Velcade is based on the results of the APEX (Assessment of Proteasome Inhibition on EXtending Remission Results) study comparing the medication to high-dose dexamethasone, a commonly used chemotherapy, in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.

The study demonstrated a significant survival advantage with Velcade in patients who had received one to three prior therapies. At one-year of follow-up, Velcade patients had a significantly higher rate of overall survival (80%) versus patients who received dexamethasone (66%).

Overall survival was significantly longer among patients who received Velcade, both for those who had received one previous treatment and for those who had received more than one previous treatment.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.