Bortezomib Accord
Proteasome inhibitor for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma
Bortezomib Accord is a proteasome inhibitor containing the active substance bortezomib. It is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma in adults. It works by blocking proteasomes — cellular structures that break down proteins — thereby disrupting cancer cell growth and triggering cancer cell death. Bortezomib is administered by injection (intravenously or subcutaneously) and is always given under medical supervision.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Bortezomib Accord is a prescription-only proteasome inhibitor used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma in adults aged 18 and over.
- It is given by injection (subcutaneous or intravenous) by trained healthcare professionals, usually twice per week in treatment cycles of 21 or 42 days.
- Common side effects include peripheral neuropathy, low blood counts, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhoea, constipation), and fatigue.
- Regular blood tests are required before and during treatment to monitor blood cell counts and organ function.
- It must not be used in patients with severe lung or heart problems, and strict contraceptive measures are required for both men and women during and after treatment.
What Is Bortezomib Accord and What Is It Used For?
Quick Answer: Bortezomib Accord contains the active substance bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor that blocks protein-degrading machinery within cancer cells, leading to their death. It is authorised for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma in adults.
Bortezomib Accord belongs to a class of anti-cancer medicines known as proteasome inhibitors. Proteasomes are large protein complexes found in every cell that play a central role in regulating cellular function and growth. They work by breaking down proteins that the cell has marked for destruction using a tagging molecule called ubiquitin. By inhibiting the activity of the 26S proteasome, bortezomib disrupts the normal recycling of proteins within cancer cells, triggering a cascade of events that ultimately leads to programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cells normally produce antibodies to fight infection, but when they become malignant they multiply uncontrollably and can cause bone pain, fractures, anaemia, kidney damage and frequent infections. According to the International Myeloma Foundation, approximately 176,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed worldwide each year, making it the second most common haematological malignancy.
Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare but often aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the mantle zone of the lymph node. It accounts for approximately 3–10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and tends to affect men more frequently than women, with a median age at diagnosis of around 65 years.
Approved Indications
Bortezomib Accord is approved for the following uses in adults aged 18 and over:
- Progressive multiple myeloma: As monotherapy or in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or dexamethasone, for patients who have received at least one prior therapy and for whom haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is not suitable or has been unsuccessful.
- Previously untreated multiple myeloma (transplant ineligible): In combination with melphalan and prednisone for patients who are not suitable for high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation.
- Previously untreated multiple myeloma (transplant eligible): As induction therapy in combination with dexamethasone, or dexamethasone together with thalidomide, prior to high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation.
- Previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma: In combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (VR-CAP) for patients who are not suitable for stem cell transplantation.
Bortezomib was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 under the brand name Velcade and subsequently authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Bortezomib Accord is a generic alternative manufactured by Accord Healthcare that contains the same active substance and is bioequivalent to the reference product. Other marketed brands containing bortezomib include Bortezomib SUN, Bortezomib Reddy, Bortezomib STADA, Bortezomib Avansor, and Bortezomib medac.
What Should You Know Before Taking Bortezomib Accord?
Quick Answer: Bortezomib Accord must not be used if you are allergic to bortezomib, boron or any other ingredient. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe lung or heart disease. Tell your doctor about all existing medical conditions, other medications you take, and whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Do not use Bortezomib Accord if you:
- Are allergic (hypersensitive) to bortezomib, boron or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (mannitol (E421) and water for injections).
- Have certain serious lung problems, such as acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease or pericardial disease.
- Have certain serious heart conditions that your doctor considers incompatible with treatment.
Warnings and Precautions
Before starting treatment with Bortezomib Accord, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as they may require closer monitoring or dose adjustments:
- Low blood cell counts: Reduced levels of red blood cells (anaemia), white blood cells (neutropenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia).
- Bleeding disorders or a low platelet count.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhoea, constipation, nausea or vomiting.
- Fainting spells or dizziness, which may indicate orthostatic hypotension.
- Kidney problems (renal impairment).
- Moderate to severe liver problems (hepatic impairment).
- Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet.
- Heart or blood pressure problems, including congestive heart failure.
- Shortness of breath or cough.
- Seizures (epilepsy or a history of seizures).
- Herpes zoster (shingles), including around the eyes.
- Tumour lysis syndrome symptoms: Muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, visual disturbances or breathing difficulties.
- Neurological symptoms: Memory loss, difficulty thinking, walking difficulties or vision loss, which may be signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious brain infection.
Regular blood tests are mandatory before and during treatment with Bortezomib Accord. These tests monitor your blood cell counts, liver function and kidney function. Inform your healthcare team immediately if you develop unexplained bruising, bleeding, fever, infection or persistent fatigue.
If you have mantle cell lymphoma and receive rituximab together with Bortezomib Accord, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B. In rare cases, patients with a history of hepatitis B have experienced reactivation of the virus, which can be fatal. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of active hepatitis B throughout treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Bortezomib Accord should only be used during pregnancy if it is absolutely necessary and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 8 months after the last dose. Discuss fertility preservation options (such as egg freezing) with your doctor before starting treatment.
- Men should not father a child during treatment and must use effective contraception during treatment and for up to 5 months after the last dose. Sperm banking should be discussed before treatment begins.
- Breastfeeding is contraindicated during Bortezomib treatment. Consult your doctor about when it is safe to resume breastfeeding after the final dose.
When Bortezomib Accord is used in combination with thalidomide, strict adherence to the thalidomide pregnancy prevention programme is essential, as thalidomide causes severe birth defects and foetal death. Please refer to the thalidomide patient information leaflet for full details.
Children and Adolescents
Bortezomib Accord should not be used in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) because its safety and efficacy have not been established in this population.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Bortezomib may cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting episodes and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery. Even if you do not feel any symptoms, exercise caution, as individual responses to the medication can vary.
How Does Bortezomib Accord Interact with Other Drugs?
Quick Answer: Bortezomib is partly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP1A2). Drugs that inhibit or induce these enzymes can alter bortezomib blood levels. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements.
Drug interactions are an important consideration with bortezomib because it undergoes partial oxidative metabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the liver. Changes in the activity of these enzymes, caused by concomitant medications, can increase or decrease bortezomib levels in the blood, potentially leading to increased toxicity or reduced efficacy.
Major Interactions
| Drug | Type | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor | May increase bortezomib exposure by up to 35% | Close monitoring; dose adjustment may be needed |
| Ritonavir | Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor | May significantly increase bortezomib exposure | Avoid combination or reduce bortezomib dose |
| Rifampicin | Strong CYP3A4 inducer | May reduce bortezomib exposure by up to 45% | Avoid combination; consider alternative antibiotics |
| St. John’s Wort | CYP3A4 inducer | May unpredictably reduce bortezomib efficacy | Avoid during treatment |
Other Notable Interactions
| Drug | Type | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbamazepine | CYP3A4 inducer | May reduce bortezomib levels | Monitor response; consider alternatives |
| Phenytoin | CYP3A4 inducer | May reduce bortezomib levels | Monitor response; consider alternatives |
| Phenobarbital | CYP3A4 inducer | May reduce bortezomib levels | Monitor response; consider alternatives |
| Oral antidiabetics | Metabolic interaction | Blood sugar levels may fluctuate | Monitor blood glucose closely |
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements. This is essential to avoid potentially harmful interactions.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Bortezomib Accord?
Quick Answer: The standard starting dose of Bortezomib Accord is 1.3 mg/m² body surface area, administered twice weekly. Treatment is given in cycles of 21 or 42 days, depending on the specific regimen. Your doctor calculates the dose based on your height and weight.
Bortezomib Accord dosing is individualised based on your body surface area (BSA), which is calculated from your height and weight. Your doctor may adjust the dose and number of treatment cycles based on your response to treatment, the occurrence of side effects, and any underlying medical conditions such as liver impairment.
Adult Dosage by Indication
Progressive Multiple Myeloma — Monotherapy
Dose: 1.3 mg/m² IV or SC on Days 1, 4, 8 and 11, followed by a 10-day rest period.
Cycle length: 21 days (3 weeks). Up to 8 cycles (24 weeks total).
Progressive Myeloma — With Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin
Bortezomib: 1.3 mg/m² IV or SC on Days 1, 4, 8, 11 in a 21-day cycle.
Doxorubicin: 30 mg/m² IV infusion on Day 4, after bortezomib injection.
Up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).
Progressive Myeloma — With Dexamethasone
Bortezomib: 1.3 mg/m² IV or SC in 21-day cycles.
Dexamethasone: 20 mg orally on Days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12.
Up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).
Untreated Myeloma — With Melphalan & Prednisone (Transplant Ineligible)
Cycle length: 42 days (6 weeks). Total: 9 cycles (54 weeks).
Cycles 1–4: Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² twice weekly on Days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29, 32.
Cycles 5–9: Bortezomib once weekly on Days 1, 8, 22, 29.
Melphalan: 9 mg/m² orally on Days 1–4 of each cycle.
Prednisone: 60 mg/m² orally on Days 1–4 of each cycle.
Untreated Myeloma — Induction With Dexamethasone (Pre-Transplant)
Bortezomib: 1.3 mg/m² IV or SC in 21-day cycles.
Dexamethasone: 40 mg orally on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11.
4 cycles (12 weeks).
Untreated Myeloma — Induction With Dexamethasone & Thalidomide (Pre-Transplant)
Cycle length: 28 days (4 weeks). Up to 6 cycles (24 weeks).
Dexamethasone: 40 mg orally on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Thalidomide: 50 mg daily up to Day 14 (Cycle 1), then 100 mg from Day 15–28, increasing to 200 mg daily from Cycle 2 if tolerated.
Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma — VR-CAP Regimen
Bortezomib: 1.3 mg/m² IV or SC on Days 1, 4, 8, 11 of a 21-day cycle. Up to 8 cycles (24 weeks).
Rituximab: 375 mg/m² IV on Day 1.
Cyclophosphamide: 750 mg/m² IV on Day 1.
Doxorubicin: 50 mg/m² IV on Day 1.
Prednisone: 100 mg/m² orally on Days 1–5.
Children
Bortezomib Accord is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group.
Elderly Patients
No specific dose adjustments are required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to certain side effects, particularly peripheral neuropathy and orthostatic hypotension. Close monitoring and careful dose management are advised.
Administration Method
Bortezomib Accord is always administered by a healthcare professional experienced in the use of cytotoxic medicines. It can be given in two ways:
- Intravenous (IV) injection: After reconstitution/dilution to 1 mg/ml, given as a 3–5 second bolus through a peripheral or central venous catheter. The catheter is flushed with sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution afterwards.
- Subcutaneous (SC) injection: Using the 2.5 mg/ml solution, injected at a 45–90° angle into the thigh (right or left) or abdomen (right or left). Injection sites should be rotated for subsequent injections.
Bortezomib is for intravenous or subcutaneous use only. It must never be administered intrathecally (into the spinal canal). Intrathecal administration of bortezomib has resulted in death.
Overdose
Since Bortezomib Accord is administered by healthcare professionals, overdose is unlikely. However, if an overdose were to occur, the patient would be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse effects, with supportive care provided as necessary. There is no specific antidote for bortezomib overdose. In clinical trials, fatal outcomes have been reported in cases of overdose at doses more than twice the recommended dose.
What Are the Side Effects of Bortezomib Accord?
Quick Answer: Like all medicines, Bortezomib Accord can cause side effects. The most common are peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands/feet), decreased blood cell counts, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue and muscle pain. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of severe reactions.
Side effects are organised below by frequency, based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance for bortezomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Your experience may vary depending on the combination regimen used and your individual health profile.
Muscle cramps with weakness; confusion; vision loss or disturbances; blindness; seizures; severe headache; shortness of breath; swollen feet; changes in heart rhythm; high blood pressure; persistent coughing or tightness in the chest.
Side Effects in Multiple Myeloma
Very Common
May affect more than 1 in 10 patients
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning or pain in hands or feet)
- Decreased red blood cell count (anaemia) and/or white blood cell count (neutropenia)
- Decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation, with or without bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle pain (myalgia) and bone pain
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 patients
- Low blood pressure, including orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop upon standing)
- High blood pressure
- Reduced kidney function
- Headache, dizziness, tremor, fainting
- Infections: pneumonia, respiratory infections, bronchitis, fungal infections, flu-like illness
- Herpes zoster (shingles), including around the eyes
- Chest pain or shortness of breath on exertion
- Various rashes, itching, dry skin, facial redness
- Dehydration
- Heartburn, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding
- Altered liver function
- Sore mouth or lips, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, sore throat
- Weight loss, loss of taste
- Muscle cramps, spasms, limb pain
- Blurred vision, conjunctivitis
- Nosebleeds
- Sleep difficulties, sweating, anxiety, mood changes, depression
- Body swelling (oedema), including around the eyes
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 patients
- Heart failure, heart attack, increased or decreased heart rate
- Kidney failure
- Blood vessel inflammation, blood clots (veins or lungs)
- Clotting disorders, insufficient circulation
- Pericarditis (inflammation or fluid around the heart)
- Infections: urinary tract, herpes, ear, cellulitis
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Paralysis, seizures, movement disorders, attention disturbance
- Joint inflammation (arthritis)
- Lung disorders: breathing difficulty, wheezing, shallow breathing
- Increased or decreased urine output, painful urination, blood in urine
- Hearing loss, tinnitus
- Hormonal disturbances, thyroid overactivity
- Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production
- Eye problems: irritation, pain, dryness, infections, visual disturbances
- Hair loss, allergic reactions, injection site pain
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients
- Heart problems including angina
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe nerve inflammation causing paralysis and breathing difficulties)
- Budd-Chiari syndrome (hepatic vein obstruction)
- Cerebral haemorrhage (brain bleeding)
- Anaphylactic shock (severe life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Thrombotic microangiopathy (blood clots in small vessels)
- Skin cancer, kidney cancer
- Muscle fibre breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
- Multi-organ failure, coma
Side Effects in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
When bortezomib is used in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (VR-CAP) for mantle cell lymphoma, the side effect profile is broadly similar, with some differences:
Very Common (MCL)
May affect more than 1 in 10 patients
- Pneumonia
- Decreased appetite
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Mouth sores, constipation
- Muscle and bone pain
- Hair loss and abnormal hair texture
- Fatigue, weakness, fever
Common (MCL)
May affect up to 1 in 10 patients
- Herpes zoster (shingles), herpes infections
- Bacterial, viral and fungal infections
- Respiratory infections, bronchitis, flu-like illness
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Insulin resistance, fluid retention
- Sleep problems, loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness
- Faster heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating
- Abnormal or blurred vision
- Heart failure, chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath, cough, hiccups
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing
- Altered liver function, itching, redness, rash
- Urinary tract infections, limb pain, muscle spasms
- Body swelling, chills, injection site reactions
- Weight changes, general feeling of being unwell
It is important to report suspected side effects after the medicine has been authorised. This allows continuous monitoring of the medicine’s benefit-risk balance. Healthcare professionals and patients can report adverse reactions through their national pharmacovigilance system or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
How Should You Store Bortezomib Accord?
Quick Answer: Store unopened Bortezomib Accord in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. Diluted solution (1 mg/ml) for IV use is stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature (20–25°C). The product is for single use only.
Proper storage of Bortezomib Accord is essential to maintain the stability and efficacy of the medication. Follow these guidelines carefully:
- Temperature: Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
- Light protection: Keep the vial in the outer carton to protect it from light.
- After dilution (IV use): The diluted solution at a concentration of 1 mg/ml has been shown to be chemically and physically stable for up to 24 hours at 20–25°C. From a microbiological perspective, the diluted solution should ideally be used immediately unless the method of dilution precludes the risk of microbial contamination.
- Subcutaneous use: The ready-to-use solution (2.5 mg/ml) contains no preservatives and should be used immediately after the appropriate volume has been drawn up.
- Single use only: Each vial is intended for a single dose. Any remaining solution must be discarded in accordance with local regulations for the disposal of cytotoxic waste.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Bortezomib Accord after the expiry date printed on the vial and carton after “EXP”.
What Does Bortezomib Accord Contain?
Quick Answer: Each vial of Bortezomib Accord contains bortezomib (as a mannitol boronic acid ester) at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml. The other ingredients are mannitol (E421) and water for injections.
Active Ingredient
The active substance is bortezomib. Each vial contains either 1 ml or 1.4 ml of solution for injection at a concentration of 2.5 mg per ml bortezomib (provided as a mannitol boronic acid ester).
Other Ingredients (Excipients)
- Mannitol (E421)
- Water for injections
Concentrations by Route
| Route | Concentration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Intravenous (IV) | 1 mg/ml (after dilution) | Diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride |
| Subcutaneous (SC) | 2.5 mg/ml (ready to use) | Used directly from the vial |
Appearance and Packaging
Bortezomib Accord solution for injection is a clear, colourless solution supplied in clear glass vials with grey rubber stoppers sealed with aluminium caps:
- Orange cap: 1 ml vial (containing 2.5 mg bortezomib)
- Red cap: 1.4 ml vial (containing 3.5 mg bortezomib)
Available pack sizes: 1 vial or 4 vials per carton. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in every country.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Accord Healthcare S.L.U., World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, Edifici Est 6a planta, 08039 Barcelona, Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bortezomib Accord is used to treat multiple myeloma (a cancer of the bone marrow) and mantle cell lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes) in adults aged 18 and over. Depending on the specific situation, it can be used alone or in combination with other cancer medicines. It works by inhibiting proteasomes — structures inside cells that break down proteins — which leads to cancer cell death.
Bortezomib Accord is given by a healthcare professional as either a subcutaneous injection (under the skin in the thigh or abdomen) or an intravenous injection (into a vein as a rapid 3–5 second push). It is never self-administered at home. The typical starting dose is 1.3 mg/m² body surface area given twice weekly, with treatment cycles lasting 21 or 42 days depending on the regimen.
The most serious side effects include severe peripheral neuropathy, heart failure, severe blood count decreases (which increase the risk of bleeding and infection), tumour lysis syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience muscle cramps with weakness, confusion, vision loss, severe headache, breathing difficulties, swollen feet or irregular heartbeat.
Bortezomib should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for 8 months after the last dose. Men must also use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months afterwards. Breastfeeding is not permitted during treatment. If bortezomib is combined with thalidomide, the strict thalidomide pregnancy prevention programme must be followed.
Bortezomib Accord is a generic medicine containing the same active substance (bortezomib) as the original reference product Velcade. It has been demonstrated to be bioequivalent, meaning it works in the same way and provides the same therapeutic benefit. The main difference is the manufacturer (Accord Healthcare). Other generic versions include Bortezomib SUN, Bortezomib Reddy, Bortezomib STADA, Bortezomib Avansor and Bortezomib medac.
Regular blood tests are mandatory before and during each cycle of Bortezomib treatment. These tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to monitor red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, as well as tests for liver function and kidney function. Your doctor will use these results to determine whether it is safe to continue treatment, adjust the dose, or temporarily pause therapy.
References
This article is based on the following peer-reviewed sources and official regulatory documents:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Bortezomib Accord — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Last updated 2025. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Velcade (bortezomib) Prescribing Information. Revised 2024. Available at: www.accessdata.fda.gov.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Multiple Myeloma. Version 4.2025.
- San Miguel JF, Schlag R, Khuageva NK, et al. “Bortezomib plus Melphalan and Prednisone for Initial Treatment of Multiple Myeloma.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359(9):906–917. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa0801479.
- Richardson PG, Sonneveld P, Schuster MW, et al. “Bortezomib or High-Dose Dexamethasone for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;352(24):2487–2498. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa043445.
- Robak T, Huang H, Jin J, et al. “Bortezomib-Based Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Mantle-Cell Lymphoma.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;372(10):944–953. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1412096.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — 23rd List. 2023.
- European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines: Multiple Myeloma. Updated 2024.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Bortezomib Monograph. Updated 2025. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk.
Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, which comprises licensed physicians specialising in oncology, haematology and clinical pharmacology.
iMedic Medical Editorial Team — specialists in oncology and haematology with documented academic backgrounds and clinical experience in cancer treatment.
iMedic Medical Review Board — independent panel of medical experts who verify all content against current international guidelines (EMA, FDA, NCCN, ESMO, WHO).
All medical claims in this article are supported by Evidence Level 1A — the highest quality of evidence based on systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals. We follow the GRADE evidence framework and adhere to international guidelines from EMA, FDA, NCCN, ESMO and WHO. This content has no commercial funding and no pharmaceutical company sponsorship.