Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for approximately 1% of all malignancies and 10% of
hematological tumors, representing the second most frequently occurring hematological
malignancy in the United States. At any one time, 50,000 people suffer from MM, and
approximately 15,000 are diagnosed each year. The median age is approximately 65 years,
although occasionally MM occurs in the second decade of life.
Bortezomib and panobinostat intravenous (IV) are active agents in multiple myeloma and appear
to work through different biochemical pathways, suggesting that there may be a synergistic
effect using the combination. Both compounds have shown anabolic bone effect, which has been
associated to significant anti-myeloma activity.
Primary objectives:
- To assess the toxicity of bortezomib combined with one of 4 doses of panobinostat IV in
patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, and
- To find the most appropriate doses of bortezomib and panobinostat IV in the combination.
Secondary objective:
- To assess the effect of bortezomib in combination with panobinostat IV on inducing
osteoblast activation in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma.