carfilzomib + pomalidomide

Combination of the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib and the immunomodulatory imide drug pomalidomide used in multiple myeloma, often with dexamethasone. Carfilzomib is a selective, irreversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like (β5) subunit of the 20S proteasome, leading to accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and apoptosis of myeloma cells. Pomalidomide is an IMiD that binds cereblon as part of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, modulating immune and tumor pathways, including degradation-driven effects on transcriptional programs, inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, T- and NK-cell activation, antiangiogenic effects, and induction of apoptosis. The carfilzomib+pomalidomide backbone shows clinical activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, particularly when combined with dexamethasone.

Other names

KP