How is Velcade used in multiple myeloma?
In the United States, Velcade is used for the treatment of myeloma in all phases of the illness, and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma throughout their course, from diagnosis to first relapse and beyond. Data from numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that many patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma respond to Velcade therapy (that is, the level of M protein drops or is no longer detectable and/or there is other evidence of benefit) and that Velcade delays worsening of disease and improves survival. Velcade has also been show to be effective in patients who have received multiple previous therapies, including patients who have already received Velcade before. Data from trials in newly diagnosed or untreated patients show that Velcade is effective in this setting, is superior to standard therapies, and achieves consistently high rates of response, including some of the highest recorded response rates for upfront (or front-line) treatm
