Friday, November 6, 2009

Bortezomib for bone cancer in children & teens..


We knew that Bortezomib marketed as Velcade by Millennium Pharmaceuticals is the first therapeutic proteasome inhibitor to be tested in humans. It is approved in the U.S. for treating relapsed multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma (2008). In multiple myeloma, complete clinical responses have been obtained in patients with otherwise refractory or rapidly advancing disease.

Recently researchers from University of Rochester have found more interesting fact that "bortezomib is effective against bone cancer in human cancer cell studies and in mice". In the current study, researchers sought to use Bortezomib (Velcade) against osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that starts in bone, spreads quickly and responds poorly to current chemotherapies. The drug, a proteasome inhibitor.

The researchers are excited because of the fact that "a drug already proven safe and effective in treating the most common cancers of the blood may be equally effective in suppressing bone cancer". Bortezomib caused osteosarcoma cells to self destruct, and prevented their spread. claims the researchers. While further studies are needed, these findings suggest that this drug may represent a new treatment option for a devastating disease and an effective complement to current chemotherapies. Congrats for this achievement.

More : http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2676



1 comment:

Medical Information said...

Cancer itself is a dangerous disease. Bone cancer an be of different nature. Pain is the very common symptom of bone cancer. So whenever someone feels pain, should rush to doctor. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, bone allografts, physiotherapy are some of the treatments suggested. For information different types of cancer, refer Cancer information