James R. Berenson, MD, Medical and Scientific Director, Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR), Chief Executive Officer, Oncotherapeutics, compares the neurotoxicity profile for the investigatory multiple myeloma agent carfilzomib to bortezomib (Velcade), an already approved treatment for multiple myeloma.

Berenson describes carfilzomib as being less peripherally and centrally neurotoxic than bortezomib. Many of these drugs, such as thalidomide, often affect mental function and some patients have complained of an inability to multitask.

Carfilzomib exhibited less neuropathic side effects in encouraging results from preclinical trials. In the clinic all grades of neuropathy were shown to be less than single-agent bortezomib. It may be possible, however, to adjust the neuropathic side effects entailed by bortezomib by changing the dosing schedule and administration route.