Zolinza and Velcade for myeloma – pro
Zolinza is approved in the USA for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have progressive, persistent or recurrent disease on or following two systemic therapies. However, it mayb e effective in myeloma as well.Results from two Phase 1 studies of ZOLINZA® (vorinostat), Merck’s oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, administered in combination with bortezomib, showed early anti-tumor activity in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, including those previously treated with and no longer responding to bortezomib. Results of these studies, which were designed primarily to determine the maximum tolerated dose of the combination regimen, were presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (Abstract #871).
Based on this information, Merck initiated phase II studies, VANTAGE 088 and VANTAGE 095, as well as a Phase III, global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 742-patient multicenter trial investigating Zolinza plus Velcade in relapsed MM after one to three prior anti-myeloma. However, the therapy remains investigational so far.
Weber D, Badros AZ, Jagannath S, et al. Vorinostat plus bortezomib for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Early clinical experience. Blood. 2008;112:322, abstract number 871.
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