Chemotherapy is a common treatment method for multiple myeloma that works by introducing cancer-destroying agents into the body. As these chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, they are highly effective in killing myeloma cells. Chemotherapy drugs can either be taken orally or intravenously.
If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, your oncologist may either recommend chemotherapy as your primary treatment, or you may undergo chemotherapy prior to a stem-cell transplant. Alternatively, you may also undergo chemotherapy following a stem-cell transplant to lower the risk of a relapse. Chemotherapy drugs manage symptoms and relieve pain in advanced stages of multiple myeloma as well. In a majority of cases, doctors combine two therapies for maximum efficacy.
(carfilzomib) and Ninlaro (ixazomib) are two of the commonly used myeloma drugs that are classified as proteasome inhibitors. In essence, proteasome inhibitors kill myeloma cells by supplying them with faulty proteins.
(carfilzomib)
Designed by Onyx Pharmaceuticals, is an FDA-approved proteasome inhibitor. is typically prescribed in conjunction with or as part of a drug cocktail that also includes and to treat individuals with relapsed myeloma who have previously been in treatment.
The drug may also be prescribed on its own to treat individuals with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have previously tried different treatment protocols. The role of is hindering the action of proteasomes (protein molecules present in cells) to destroy cancer cells.
Ninlaro (ixazomib)
Developed by Takeda Oncology, Ninlaro is a proteasome inhibitor that belongs to the same drug family as but has more advanced properties. Taken orally, Ninlaro is usually used in conjunction with and to treat those with multiple myeloma who have previously been in treatment at least once.
Ninlaro kills cancer cells by depriving them of the proteasome they require and interrupting protein absorption. Myeloma cells may be particularly responsive to proteasome inhibitors given that they produce copious amounts of protein and need to continue to do so to live on.
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Posted on May 5, 2023