Expanding role of bortezomib in multiple myeloma: nursing implications.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy and remains incurable, despite advances in chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Bortezomib, a novel proteasome inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy. In the assessment of proteasome inhibition for extending remissions phase III trial of bortezomib versus high-dose dexamethasone, bortezomib led to significantly longer survival and time to progression and higher response rate in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. The principal adverse events were gastrointestinal effects, fatigue, transient thrombocytopenia, and reversible peripheral neuropathy. The side effect profile of bortezomib is extensively characterized, predictable, and generally manageable; retreatment or extended bortezomib therapy seems well tolerated. Nurses play a unique role in bortezomib treatment: they are often closest to the patients and are most able to educate patients about side effects and, if necessary, take appropriate action, independently or collaboratively with healthcare team members. In this review, we present the latest efficacy and safety data for bortezomib in relapsed multiple myeloma and characterize common side effects associated with bortezomib and the implications for nursing. We also highlight practical strategies for preventing and managing side effects, thereby enhancing the clinical benefit of bortezomib-based therapies to patients.

Advances in oral therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Conventional IV chemotherapy regimens used for induction chemotherapy or salvage therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) are cumbersome, with a negative impact on patient quality of life. A number of new oral drugs, including immunomodulatory agents such as thalidomide and lenalidomide, have demonstrated potent antimyeloma activity in relapsed and refractory as well as newly diagnosed MM. Clinically, response rates of 56%-72% have been reported with the combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed disease; however, the combination is associated with a higher incidence of side effects, including constipation, somnolence, peripheral neuropathy, and thromboembolic complications. In contrast, preliminary safety and efficacy data from clinical studies of lenalidomide show promise. Response rates as high as 83% have been reported in patients with newly diagnosed MM, and the most common adverse event is manageable myelosuppression, which is reversible with dose reduction. Lenalidomide has different toxicities than thalidomide, exhibiting greater myelosuppression but virtually no constipation, somnolence, or peripheral neuropathy. Oncology nurses play a key role in monitoring patients for side effects and pain control and educating them about emerging treatment options. This article reviews the nursing experience with oral agents in the treatment of MM.

Bortezomib, a newly approved proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma: nursing implications.

Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of the plasma cells, accounts for an estimated 14% of all newly diagnosed hematologic malignancies. Advances in chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation have improved survival rates, but MM remains incurable. Bortezomib (Velcade, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA), a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, has been approved for patients with MM who have received at least two prior treatments and have demonstrated disease progression on the most recent one. During clinical trials, most side effects were manageable with standard interventions. The most common toxicities were asthenic conditions (fatigue, malaise, and weakness), gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation), thrombocytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, pyrexia, and anemia. Supportive therapies and strategies for side-effect management can prevent worsening of these symptoms, thereby avoiding dose reductions and treatment delays. Oncology nurses play a key role in ensuring the proper and safe administration of bortezomib and often are the first to identify the signs of side effects. Patient education about anticipated side effects and close monitoring of patients can lead to symptom management interventions that are essential to patient comfort and safety.