bortezomib + benzoporphyrin derivative

A combination therapy consisting of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the photosensitizer benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD, commonly known as verteporfin). This combination is primarily investigated for the treatment of multiple myeloma and certain solid tumors. Bortezomib works by reversibly inhibiting the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome, leading to the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and subsequent apoptosis. Benzoporphyrin derivative is a second-generation photosensitizer that, upon activation by specific wavelengths of light (typically 690 nm), produces singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing direct tumor cell death and vascular shutdown. The combination is hypothesized to be synergistic, as bortezomib can inhibit pro-survival pathways (such as NF-κB) that might otherwise allow cells to survive the oxidative stress induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Brand names

VelcadeVisudyne

Other names

bortezomib + verteporfinbortezomib + BPD