New results expand Velcade potential

Using the 9th International Conference of Malignant Lymphoma as its forum, Millennium has reported achieving positive outcomes in investigations of Velcade into patients with indolent and mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL), and Waldenstom’s Macroglobulemia.

Interim study results were reported from the multicenter, phase II trial of weekly versus twice- weekly dosing of Velcade in combination with rituximab, in patients with indolent lymphomas. In these patients who were previously pretreated with chemotherapy and rituximab, response rates were similar in both arms (35% and 41%) and the safety profile improved with the weekly schedule.

“We are very encouraged by the combination data results and given that many patients are still being treated and have not progressed, we could potentially see more responses,” said Dr Mansoor Saleh, of Georgia Cancer Specialists, who presented the indolent lymphoma findings at the meeting. “We are especially excited about the weekly dosing schedule which combines added convenience and promising response rates with a well tolerated safety profile.”

Data from a separate multicenter study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, directed by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and also presented at the meeting, indicated promising response rates and progression- free survival in follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell lymphomas with single agent Velcade (56%, 43% and 40%, respectively).

In the Waldenstom’s Macroglobulemia investigation single agent Velcade achieved a response rate of 80%, which included best figures of a partial response rate (greater than or equal to 50% decrease in IgM) of 36%.

Velcade is currently indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma and in addition to the Lymphoma investigations, Velcade development partners, Millennium and Johnson & Johnson, are also investigate the treatment globally in clinical trials in both hematologic and solid tumors.