DESCRIPTION
VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection is an antineoplastic agent available for intravenous injection (IV) use only. Each single dose vial contains 3.5 mg of bortezomib as a sterile lyophilized powder. Inactive ingredient: 35 mg mannitol, USP.
Bortezomib is a modified dipeptidyl boronic acid. The product is provided as a mannitol boronic ester which, in reconstituted form, consists of the mannitol ester in equilibrium with its hydrolysis product, the monomeric boronic acid. The drug substance exists in its cyclic anhydride form as a trimeric boroxine.
The chemical name for bortezomib, the monomeric boronic acid, is [(1R)-3-methyl-1-[[(2S)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-[(pyrazinylcarbonyl) amino]propyl]amino]butyl] boronic acid.
Bortezomib has the following chemical structure:

The molecular weight is 384.24. The molecular formula is C19H25BN4O4. The solubility of bortezomib, as the monomeric boronic acid, in water is 3.3 to 3.8 mg/mL in a pH range of 2 to 6.5.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Bortezomib is a reversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome in mammalian cells. The 26S proteasome is a large protein complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in regulating the intracellular concentration of specific proteins, thereby maintaining homeostasis within cells. Inhibition of the 26S proteasome prevents this targeted proteolysis, which can affect multiple signaling cascades within the cell. This disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms can lead to cell death. Experiments have demonstrated that bortezomib is cytotoxic to a variety of cancer cell types in vitro. Bortezomib causes a delay in tumor growth in vivo in nonclinical tumor models, including multiple myeloma.
Pharmacokinetics
Following intravenous administration of 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2 doses to 24 patients with multiple myeloma (n=12, per each dose level), the mean maximum plasma concentrations of bortezomib (Cmax) after the first dose (Day 1) were 57 and 112 ng/mL, respectively. In subsequent doses, when administered twice weekly, the mean maximum observed plasma concentrations ranged from 67 to 106 ng/mL for the 1.0 mg/m2 dose and 89 to 120 ng/mL for the 1.3 mg/m2 dose. The mean elimination half-life of bortezomib upon multiple dosing ranged from 40 to 193 hours after the 1.0 mg/m2 dose and 76 to 108 hours after the 1.3mg/m2 dose. The mean total body clearances was 102 and 112 L/h following the first dose for doses of 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2, respectively, and ranged from 15 to 32 L/h following subsequent doses for doses of 1.0 and 1.3 mg/m2, respectively.
Distribution
The mean distribution volume of bortezomib ranged from approximately 498 to 1884 L/m2 following single- or repeat-dose administration of 1.0mg/m2 or 1.3mg/m2 to patients with multiple myeloma. This suggests bortezomib distributes widely to peripheral tissues. The binding of bortezomib to human plasma proteins averaged 83% over the concentration range of 100 to 1000 ng/mL.
Metabolism
In vitro studies with human liver microsomes and human cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 isozymes indicate that bortezomib is primarily oxidatively metabolized via cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4, 2C19, and 1A2. Bortezomib metabolism by CYP 2D6 and 2C9 enzymes is minor. The major metabolic pathway is deboronation to form 2 deboronated metabolites that subsequently undergo hydroxylation to several metabolites. Deboronated bortezomib metabolites are inactive as 26S proteasome inhibitors. Pooled plasma data from 8 patients at 10 min and 30 min after dosing indicate that the plasma levels of metabolites are low compared to the parent drug.
Elimination
The pathways of elimination of bortezomib have not been characterized in humans.
Special Populations
Age: Analyses of data after the first dose of Cycle 1 (Day 1) in 39 multiple myeloma patients who had received intravenous doses of 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2 showed that both dose-normalized AUC and Cmax tend to be less in younger patients. Patients < 65 years of age (n=26) had about 25% lower mean dose-normalized AUC and Cmax than those ≥ 65 years of age (n=13).
Gender: Mean dose-normalized AUC and Cmax values were comparable between male (n=22) and female (n=17) patients after the first dose of Cycle 1 for the 1.0 and 1.3 mg/m2 doses.
Race: The effect of race on exposure to bortezomib could not be assessed as most of the patients were Caucasian.
Hepatic Impairment: No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with bortezomib in patients with hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS).
Renal Impairment: Clinical studies included patients with creatinine clearance values as low as 13.8 mL/min (see PRECAUTIONS).
Pediatric: There are no pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients.
Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with bortezomib.
In vitro studies with human liver microsomes indicate that bortezomib is primarily a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4, 2C19, and 1A2 (see PRECAUTIONS).
Bortezomib is a poor inhibitor of human liver microsome cytochrome P450 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, and 3A4, with IC50 values of >30µM (>11.5µg/mL). Bortezomib may inhibit 2C19 activity (IC50 = 18 µM, 6.9 µg/mL) and increase exposure to drugs that are substrates for this enzyme.
Bortezomib did not induce the activities of cytochrome P450 3A4 and 1A2 in primary cultured human hepatocytes.
Pharmacodynamics
Following twice weekly administration of 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2 bortezomib doses (n=12 per each dose level), the maximum inhibition of 20S proteasome activity (relative to baseline) in whole blood was observed 5 minutes after drug administration. Comparable maximum inhibition of 20S proteasome activity was observed between 1.0 and 1.3 mg/m2 doses. Maximal inhibition ranged from 70% to 84% and from 73% to 83% for the 1.0 mg/m2 and 1.3 mg/m2 dose regimens, respectively.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3 Clinical Study in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
A prospective phase 3, international, randomized (1:1), stratified, open-label clinical study enrolling 669 patients was designed to determine whether VELCADE resulted in improvement in time to progression (TTP) compared to high-dose dexamethasone in patients with progressive multiple myeloma following 1 to 3 prior therapies. Patients considered to be refractory to prior high-dose dexamethasone were excluded as were those with baseline grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy or platelet counts <50,000/µL. A total of 627 patients were eva luable for response.
Stratification factors were based on the number of lines of prior therapy the patient had previously received (1 previous line versus more than 1 line of therapy), time of progression relative to prior treatment (progression during or within 6 months of stopping their most recent therapy versus relapse >6 months after receiving their most recent therapy), and screening β2-microglobulin levels (≤2.5 mg/L versus >2.5 mg/L).
Baseline patient and disease characteristics are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: Summary of Baseline Patient and Disease Characteristics in the Phase 3 Multiple Myeloma Study
Patient Characteristics |
VELCADE
N=333 |
Dexamethasone
N=336 |
Median age in years (range) |
62.0 (33, 84) |
61.0 (27, 86) |
Gender: Male/female |
56% / 44% |
60% / 40% |
Race: Caucasian/black/other |
90% / 6% / 4% |
88% / 7% / 5% |
Karnofsky performance status score ≤70 |
13% |
17% |
Hemoglobin <100 g/L |
32% |
28% |
Platelet count <75 x 109/L |
6% |
4% |
Disease Characteristics |
Type of myeloma (%): IgG/IgA/Light chain |
60% / 23% / 12% |
59% / 24% / 13% |
Median β2-microglobulin (mg/L) |
3.7 |
3.6 |
Median albumin (g/L) |
39.0 |
39.0 |
Creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min [n (%)] |
17 (5%) |
11 (3%) |
Median Duration of Multiple Myeloma Since Diagnosis (Years) |
3.5 |
3.1 |
Number of Prior Therapeutic Lines of Treatment |
Median |
2 |
2 |
1 prior line |
40% |
35% |
>1 prior line |
60% |
65% |
Previous Therapy |
Any prior steroids, e.g., dexamethasone, VAD |
98% |
99% |
Any prior anthracyclines, e.g., VAD, mitoxantrone |
77% |
76% |
Any prior alkylating agents, e.g., MP, VBMCP |
91% |
92% |
Any prior thalidomide therapy |
48% |
50% |
Vinca alkaloids |
74% |
72% |
Prior stem cell transplant/other high-dose therapy |
67% |
68% |
Prior experimental or other types of therapy |
3% |
2% |
Patients in the VELCADE treatment group were to receive eight 3-week treatment cycles followed by three 5-week treatment cycles of VELCADE. Within each 3-week treatment cycle, VELCADE 1.3 mg/m2/dose alone was administered by IV bolus twice weekly for 2 weeks on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 followed by a 10-day rest period (Days 12 to 21). Within each 5-week treatment cycle, VELCADE 1.3 mg/m2/dose alone was administered by IV bolus once weekly for 4 weeks on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 followed by a 13-day rest period (Days 23 to 35) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Patients in the dexamethasone treatment group were to receive four 5-week treatment cycles followed by five 4-week treatment cycles. Within each 5-week treatment cycle, dexamethasone 40 mg/day PO was administered once daily on Days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 followed by a 15-day rest period (Days 21-35). Within each 4-week treatment cycle, dexamethasone 40 mg/day PO was administered once daily on Days 1 to 4 followed by a 24-day rest period (Days 5 to 28). Patients with documented progressive disease on dexamethasone were offered VELCADE at a standard dose and schedule on a companion study.
Following a preplanned interim analysis of time to progression, the dexamethasone arm was halted and all patients randomized to dexamethasone were offered VELCADE, regardless of disease status. At this time of study termination, a final statistical analysis was performed. Due to this early termination of the study, the median duration of follow-up for surviving patients (n=534) is limited to 8.3 months.
In the VELCADE arm, 34% of patients received at least one VELCADE dose in all 8 of the 3-week cycles of therapy, and 13% received at least one dose in all 11 cycles. The average number of VELCADE doses during the study was 22, with a range of 1 to 44. In the dexamethasone arm, 40% of patients received at least one dose in all 4 of the 5-week treatment cycles of therapy, and 6% received at least one dose in all 9 cycles.
The time to event analyses and response rates from the phase 3 multiple myeloma study are presented in Table 2. Response and progression were assessed using the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria.1 Complete response (CR) required <5% plasma cells in the marrow, 100% reduction in M-protein, and a negative immunofixation test (IF-). Partial Response (PR) requires ≥50% reduction in serum myeloma protein and ≥90% reduction of urine myeloma protein on at least 2 occasions for a minimum of at least 6 weeks along with stable bone disease and normal calcium. Near complete response (nCR) was defined as meeting all the criteria for complete response including 100% reduction in M-protein by protein electrophoresis, however M-protein was still detectable by immunofixation (IF+).
Table 2: Summary of Efficacy Analyses in the Phase 3 Multiple Myeloma Study
Efficacy Endpoint |
All Patients |
1 Prior Line of Therapy |
> 1 Prior Line of Therapy |
VELCADE |
Dex |
VELCADE |
Dex |
VELCADE |
Dex |
n=333 |
n=336 |
n=132 |
n=119 |
n=200 |
n=217 |
a Kaplan-Meier estimate. |
b Hazard ratio is based on Cox proportional-hazard model with the treatment as single independent variable. A hazard ratio less than 1 indicates an advantage for VELCADE. |
c p-value based on the stratified log-rank test including randomization stratification factors. |
d Precise p-value cannot be rendered. |
e Response population includes patients who had measurable disease at baseline and received at least 1 dose of study drug. |
f EBMT criteria1; nCR meets all EBMT criteria for CR but has positive IF. Under EBMT criteria. nCR is in the PR category. |
g In 2 patients, the IF was unknown. |
h p-value for Response Rate (CR + PR) from the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test adjusted for the stratification factors; |
i Not Estimable. |
j Not Applicable, no patients in category. |
Time to Progression
Events n (%) |
147 (44) |
196 (58) |
55 (42) |
64 (54) |
92 (46) |
132 (61) |
Median a
(95% CI) |
6.2 mo
(4.9, 6.9) |
3.5 mo
(2.9, 4.2) |
7.0 mo
(6.2, 8.8) |
5.6 mo
(3.4, 6.3) |
4.9 mo
(4.2, 6.3) |
2.9 mo
(2.8, 3.5) |
Hazard ratio b
(95% CI) |
0.55
(0.44, 0.69) |
0.55
(0.38, 0.81) |
0.54
(0.41, 0.72) |
p-value c |
<0.0001 |
0.0019 |
<0.0001 |
Overall Survival
Events (deaths) n (%) |
51 (15) |
84 (25) |
12 (9) |
24 (20) |
39 (20) |
60 (28) |
Hazard ratio b
(95% CI) |
0.57
(0.40, 0.81) |
0.39
(0.19, 0.81) |
0.65
(0.43, 0.97) |
p-value c,d |
<0.05 |
<0.05 |
<0.05 |
Response Rate
Population e n = 627 |
n=315 |
n=312 |
n=128 |
n=110 |
n=187 |
n=202 |
CR f n (%) |
20 (6) |
2 (<1) |
8 (6) |
2 (2) |
12 (6) |
0 (0) |
PR f n(%) |
101 (32) |
54 (17) |
49 (38) |
27 (25) |
52 (28) |
27 (13) |
nCR f,g n(%) |
21 (7) |
3 (<1) |
8 (6) |
2 (2) |
13 (7) |
1 (<1) |
CR + PR f n (%) |
121 (38) |
56 (18) |
57 (45) |
29 (26) |
64 (34) |
27 (13) |
p-value h |
<0.0001 |
0.0035 |
<0.0001 |
Median Response Duration |
|
|
|
CR f |
9.9 mo |
NE i |
9.9 mo |
NE |
6.3 mo |
NA j |
nCR f |
11.5 mo |
9.2 mo |
NE |
NE |
11.5 mo |
9.2 mo |
CR + PR f |
8.0 mo |
5.6 mo |
8.1 mo |
6.2 mo |
7.8 mo |
4.1 mo |
TTP was statistically significantly longer on the VELCADE arm (see Figure 1).

As shown in Figure 2, VELCADE had a significant survival advantage relative to dexamethasone (p<0.05). The median follow-up was 8.3 months.

For the 121 patients achieving a response (CR or PR) on the VELCADE arm, the median duration was 8.0 months (95% CI: 6.9, 11.5 months) compared to 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.8, 9.2 months) for the 56 responders on the dexamethasone arm. The response rate was significantly higher on the VELCADE arm regardless of β2-microglobulin levels at baseline.
Phase 2 Single-arm Clinical Study in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
The safety and efficacy of VELCADE in relapsed multiple myeloma were eva luated in an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of 202 patients who had received at least 2 prior therapies and demonstrated disease progression on their most recent therapy. The median number of prior therapies was 6. Baseline patient and disease characteristics are summarized in Table 3.
An IV bolus injection of VELCADE 1.3 mg/m2/dose was administered twice weekly for 2 weeks on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 followed by a 10-day rest period (Days 12 to 21) for a maximum of 8 treatment cycles. The study employed dose modifications for toxicity (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Patients who experienced a response to VELCADE were allowed to continue VELCADE treatment in an extension study.
Table 3: Summary of Baseline Patient and Disease Characteristics in a Phase 2 Multiple Myeloma Study*
Patient Characteristics |
N = 202 |
* Based on number of patients with baseline data available |
Median age in years (range) |
59 (34, 84) |
Gender: Male/female |
60% / 40% |
Race: Caucasian/black/other |
81% / 10% /8% |
Karnofsky Performance Status score ≤70 |
20% |
Hemoglobin <100 g/L |
44% |
Platelet count <75 x 109/L |
21% |
Disease Characteristics |
Type of myeloma (%): IgG/IgA/Light chain |
60% / 24% / 14% |
Median β2-microglobulin (mg/L) |
3.5 |
Median creatinine clearance (mL/min) |
73.9 |
Abnormal cytogenetics |
35% |
Chromosome 13 deletion |
15% |
Median Duration of Multiple Myeloma Since Diagnosis in Years |
4.0 |
Previous Therapy |
Any prior steroids, e.g., dexamethasone, VAD |
99% |
Any prior alkylating agents, e.g., MP, VBMCP |
92% |
Any prior anthracyclines, e.g., VAD, mitoxantrone |
81% |
Any prior thalidomide therapy |
83% |
Received at least 2 of the above |
98% |
Received at least 3 of the above |
92% |
Received all 4 of the above |
66% |
Any prior stem cell transplant/other high-dose therapy |
64% |
Prior experimental or other types of therapy |
44% |
Responses to VELCADE alone are shown in Table 4. Response rates to VELCADE alone were determined by an independent review committee (IRC) based on EBMT criteria.1 Response rates using the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) criteria2 are also shown. SWOG response required a ≥75% reduction in serum myeloma protein and/or ≥90% urine protein. A total of 188 patients were eva luable for response; 9 patients with nonmeasurable disease could not be eva luated for response by the IRC, and 5 patients were excluded from the efficacy analyses because they had had minimal prior therapy. The mean number of cycles administered was 6. The median time to response was 38 days (range 30 to 127 days). The median survival of all patients enrolled was 17 months (range <1 to 36+ months).
Table 4: Summary of Response Outcomes in a Phase 2 Multiple Myeloma Study
Response Analyses (VELCADE monotherapy) N = 188 |
N (%) |
(95% CI) |
a Clinical Remission (SWOG) required ≥75% reduction in serum myeloma protein and/or ≥90% reduction of urine myeloma protein on at least 2 occasions for a minimum of at least 6 weeks, stable bone disease and normal calcium.2 |
Overall Response Rate (EBMT) (CR + PR) |
52 (28%) |
(21, 35) |
Complete Response (CR) |
5 (3%) |
(1, 6) |
Partial Response (PR) |
47 (25%) |
(19, 32) |
Clinical Remission (SWOG)a |
33 (18%) |
(12, 24) |
Kaplan-Meier Estimated Median Duration of Response (95% CI) |
385 Days |
(245, 538) |
Of the 202 patients enrolled, 35% were 65 years of age or older. Nineteen percent (19%) of patients aged 65 years or older experienced CR or PR.
In this study, the response rate to VELCADE, based on a univariate analysis, was independent of the number and types of prior therapies. There was a decreased likelihood of response in patients with either >50% plasma cells or abnormal cytogenetics in the bone marrow. Responses were seen in patients with chromosome 13 abnormalities.
A Randomized Phase 2 Dose-Response Study in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
An open-label, multicenter study randomized 54 patients with multiple myeloma who had progressed or relapsed on or after front-line therapy to receive VELCADE 1.0 mg/m2 or 1.3 mg/m2 IV bolus twice weekly for 2 weeks on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 followed by a 10-day rest period (Days 12 to 21). The median duration of time between diagnosis of multiple myeloma and first dose of VELCADE on this trial was 2.0 years, and patients had received a median of 1 prior line of treatment (median of 3 prior therapies). A single complete response was seen at each dose. The overall response rates (CR + PR) were 30% (8/27) at 1.0 mg/m2 and 38% (10/26) at 1.3 mg/m2.
A Phase 2 Open-Label Extension Study in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
Patients from the two phase 2 studies who in the investigators’ opinion would experience additional clinical benefit continued to receive VELCADE beyond 8 cycles on an extension study. Sixty-three (63) patients from the phase 2 multiple myeloma studies were enrolled and received a median of 7 additional cycles of VELCADE therapy for a total median of 14 cycles (range 7 to 32). The overall median dosing intensity was the same in both the parent protocol and extension study. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of patients initiated the extension study at the same or higher dose intensity at which they completed the parent protocol, and 89% of patients maintained the standard 3-week dosing schedule during the extension study. No new cumulative or new long-term toxicities were observed with prolonged VELCADE treatment (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
A Phase 2 Single-arm Clinical Study in Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma After Prior Therapy
The safety and efficacy of VELCADE in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma were eva luated in an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of 155 patients with progressive disease who had received at least 1 prior therapy. The median age of the patients was 65 years (42, 89), 81% were male, and 92% were caucasian. Of the total, 75% had one or more extra-nodal sites of disease, and 77% were stage 4. In 91% of the patients, prior therapy included all of the following: an anthracycline or mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. A total of thirty seven percent (37%) of patients were refractory to their last prior therapy. An IV bolus injection of VELCADE 1.3 mg/m2/dose was administered twice weekly for 2 weeks on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 followed by a 10-day rest period (Days 12 to 21) for a maximum of 17 treatment cycles. The study employed dose modifications for toxicity (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Responses to VELCADE are shown in Table 5. Response rates to VELCADE were determined according to the International Workshop Criteria (IWRC)3 based on independent radiologic review of CT scans. The median number of cycles administered across all patients was 4; in responding patients the median number of cycles was 8. The median time to response was 40 days (range 31 to 204 days). The median duration of follow-up was more than 13 months.
Table 5: Response Outcomes in a Phase 2 Mantle Cell Lymphoma Study
Response Analyses (N = 155) |
N (%) |
95% CI |
Overall Response Rate (IWRC) (CR + CRu + PR) |
48 (31) |
(24, 39) |
Complete Response (CR + CRu) |
12 (8) |
(4, 13) |
CR |
10 (6) |
(3, 12) |
CRu |
2 (1) |
(0, 5) |
Partial Response (PR) |
36 (23) |
(17, 31) |
Duration of Response |
Median |
95% CI |
CR + CRu + PR (N = 48) |
9.3 months |
(5.4, 13.8) |
CR + CRu (N = 12) |
15.4 months |
(13.4, 15.4) |
PR (N=36) |
6.1 months |
(4.2, 9.3) |
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy.
VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least 1 prior therapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
VELCADE is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol.
WARNINGS
VELCADE should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of antineoplastic therapy.
Pregnancy Category D
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with VELCADE.
Bortezomib was not teratogenic in nonclinical developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits at the highest dose tested (0.075 mg/kg; 0.5 mg/m2 in the rat and 0.05 mg/kg; 0.6 mg/m2 in the rabbit) when administered during organogenesis. These dosages are approximately half the clinical dose of 1.3 mg/m2 based on body surface area.
Pregnant rabbits given bortezomib during organogenesis at a dose of 0.05mg/kg (0.6 mg/m2) experienced significant post-implantation loss and decreased number of live fetuses. Live fetuses from these litters also showed significant decreases in fetal weight. The dose is approximately 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1.3 mg/m2 based on body surface area.
No placental transfer studies have been conducted with bortezomib. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If VELCADE is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
PRECAUTIONS
Peripheral Neuropathy: VELCADE treatment causes a peripheral neuropathy that is predominantly sensory. However, cases of severe sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy have been reported. Patients with pre-existing symptoms (numbness, pain or a burning feeling in the feet or hands) and/or signs of peripheral neuropathy may experience worsening peripheral neuropathy (including ≥Grade 3) during treatment with VELCADE. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of neuropathy, such as a burning sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, neuropathic pain or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy may require change in the dose and schedule of VELCADE (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Following dose adjustments, improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 51% of patients with ≥Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy in the phase 3 multiple myeloma study. Improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 73% of patients who discontinued due to Grade 2 neuropathy or who had ≥Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy in the phase 2 multiple myeloma studies (also see ADVERSE REACTIONS). The long-term outcome of peripheral neuropathy has not been studied in mantle cell lymphoma.
Hypotension: The incidence of hypotension (postural, orthostatic, and hypotension NOS) was 13%. These events are observed throughout therapy. Caution should be used when treating patients with a history of syncope, patients receiving medications known to be associated with hypotension, and patients who are dehydrated. Management of orthostatic/postural hypotension may include adjustment of antihypertensive medications, hydration, and administration of mineralocorticoids and/or sympathomimetics (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).
Cardiac Disorders: Acute development or exacerbation of congestive heart failure, and/or new onset of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction has been reported, including reports in patients with few or no risk factors for decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with risk factors for, or existing heart disease should be closely monitored. In the phase 3 multiple myeloma study, the incidence of any treatment-emergent cardiac disorder was 15% and 13% in the VELCADE and dexamethasone groups, respectively. The incidence of heart failure events (acute pulmonary edema, cardiac failure, congestive cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema) was similar in the VELCADE and dexamethasone groups, 5% and 4%, respectively. There have been isolated cases of QT-interval prolongation in clinical studies; causality has not been established.
Pulmonary Disorders: There have been rare reports of acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease of unknown etiology such as pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia, lung infiltration and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in patients receiving VELCADE. Some of these events have been fatal. A higher proportion of these events have been reported in Japan.
In a clinical trial, the first two patients given high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m2 per day) by continuous infusion with daunorubicin and VELCADE for relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia died of ARDS early in the course of therapy.
There have been rare reports of pulmonary hypertension associated with VELCADE administration in the absence of left heart failure or significant pulmonary disease.
In the event of new or worsening cardiopulmonary symptoms, a prompt comprehensive diagnostic eva luation should be conducted.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): There have been rare reports of RPLS in patients receiving VELCADE. RPLS is a rare, reversible, neurological disorder which can present with seizure, hypertension, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances. Brain imaging, preferably MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), is used to confirm the diagnosis. In patients developing RPLS, discontinue VELCADE. The safety of reinitiating VELCADE therapy in patients previously experiencing RPLS is not known.
Laboratory Tests: Complete blood counts (CBC) should be frequently monitored during treatment with VELCADE.
Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: VELCADE treatment can cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) sometimes requiring use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications. Fluid and electrolyte replacement should be administered to prevent dehydration.
Thrombocytopenia/Neutropenia: VELCADE is associated with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Platelets and neutrophils were lowest at Day 11 of each cycle of VELCADE treatment and typically recovered to baseline by the next cycle. The cyclical pattern of platelet and neutrophil decreases and recovery remained consistent over the 8 cycles of twice weekly dosing, and there was no evidence of cumulative thrombocytopenia or neutropenia. The mean platelet count nadir measured was approximately 40% of baseline. The severity of thrombocytopenia related to pretreatment platelet count is shown in Table 6. In the phase 3 multiple myeloma study, the incidence of significant bleeding events (≥Grade 3) was similar on both the VELCADE (4%) and dexamethasone (5%) arms. Platelet counts should be monitored prior to each dose of VELCADE. VELCADE therapy should be held when the platelet count is <25,000/µL and reinitiated at a reduced dose (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE REACTIONS). There have been reports of gastrointestinal and intracerebral hemorrhage in association with VELCADE. Transfusions may be considered. The incidence of febrile neutropenia was <1%.
Table 6: Severity of Thrombocytopenia Related to Pretreatment Platelet Count in the Phase 3 Myeloma Study
Pretreatment
Platelet Count* |
Number of Patients
(N=331)** |
Number (%) of Patients
with Platelet Count
<10,000/µL |
Number (%) of Patients with
Platelet Count
10,000-25,000/µL |
* A baseline platelet count of 50,000/µL was required for study eligibility. |
** Data were missing at baseline for 1 patient |
≥75,000/µL |
309 |
8 (3%) |
36 (12%) |
≥ 50,000/µL-<75,000/µL |
14 |
2 (14%) |
11 (79%) |
≥10,000/µL-<50,000/µL |
7 |
1 (14%) |
5 (71%) |
Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Because VELCADE is a cytotoxic agent and can rapidly kill malignant cells, the complications of tumor lysis syndrome may occur. Patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.
Hepatic Events
Rare cases of acute liver failure have been reported in patients receiving multiple concomitant medications and with serious underlying medical conditions. Other reported hepatic events include increases in liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, and hepatitis. Such changes may be reversible upon discontinuation of VELCADE. There is limited re-challenge information in these patients.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Bortezomib is metabolized by liver enzymes and bortezomib’s clearance may decrease in patients with hepatic impairment. These patients should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with VELCADE (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY/Pharmacokinetics-Special Populations).
Patients with Renal Impairment: Patients with renal impairment should be closely monitored for toxicities when treated with VELCADE (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY/Pharmacokinetics-Special Populations).
Animal Toxicity Findings
Cardiovascular Toxicity
Studies in monkeys showed that administration of dosages approximately twice the recommended clinical dose resulted in heart rate elevations, followed by profound progressive hypotension, bradycardia, and death 12 to 14 hours post dose. Doses ≥1.2 mg/m2 induced dose-proportional changes in cardiac parameters. Bortezomib has been shown to distribute to most tissues in the body, including the myocardium. In a repeated dosing toxicity study in the monkey, myocardial hemorrhage, inflammation, and necrosis were also observed.
Chronic Administration
In animal studies at a dose and schedule similar to that recommended for patients (twice weekly dosing for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest), toxicities observed included severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal, neurological and lymphoid system toxicities. Neurotoxic effects of bortezomib in animal studies included axonal swelling and degeneration in peripheral nerves, dorsal spinal roots, and tracts of the spinal cord. Additionally, multifocal hemorrhage and necrosis in the brain, eye, and heart were observed.
Information for Patients
Physicians are advised to discuss the PATIENT INFORMATION section with patients prior to treatment with VELCADE (see PATIENT INFORMATION).
Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery or Impairment of Mental Ability: VELCADE may cause fatigue, dizziness, syncope, orthostatic/postural hypotension. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they experience these symptoms.
Dehydration/Hypotension: Since patients receiving VELCADE therapy may experience vomiting and/or diarrhea, patients should be advised regarding appropriate measures to avoid dehydration. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells.
Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with VELCADE.
In vitro studies with human liver microsomes indicate that bortezomib is primarily a substrate for cytochrome P450 3A4, 2C19, and 1A2. Patients who are concomitantly receiving VELCADE and drugs that are inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 should be closely monitored for either toxicities or reduced efficacy (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY/ Pharmacokinetics-Drug Interactions).
During clinical trials, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were reported in diabetic patients receiving oral hypoglycemics. Patients on oral antidiabetic agents receiving VELCADE treatment may require close monitoring of their blood glucose levels and adjustment of the dose of their antidiabetic medication.
Drug Laboratory Test Interactions
None known.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with bortezomib.
Bortezomib showed clastogenic activity (structural chromosomal aberrations) in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Bortezomib was not genotoxic when tested in the in vitro mutagenicity assay (Ames test) and in vivo micronucleus assay in mice.
Fertility studies with bortezomib