Michael Eckenfels on Bortezomib Delivery Route Changes

Michael Eckenfels, BSN, LMSW, RN, OCN®, Lymphoma Myeloma Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses a nurse-led project that sought to reduce the incidence of bortezomib (Velcade)-related peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma.

The project administered bortezomib subcutaneously, rather than the intravenous route. Separately from the project, evidence to support this delivery method was found in a phase III randomized trial that resulted in the delivery method gaining FDA approval.

Peripheral neuropathy is a prominent side effect associated with bortezomib, which is a mainstay in most multiple myeloma regimens. Utilization of the subcutaneous delivery route reduced peripheral neuropathy from 44% to 27.3% with only a mild 6% increase in skin irritation, according to the nurse-led study.

Utilization of the subcutaneous route helps ease a serious side effect for many patients.

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