Abstract
The survival outlook for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved over the past decade; however, even with access to newer therapies, all patients will eventually relapse and progress. Carfilzomib is a selective proteasome inhibitor and a promising MM treatment that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. This review will highlight the future of carfilzomib by summarizing how the agent is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. While standard carfilzomib (FDA-approved dose and schedule) is effective for MM treatment, clinical trials are investigating alternate dosing schemes of carfilzomib, including higher doses with longer infusion times and altered dosing schedules. Additionally, combination studies are elucidating important treatment options, both for patients who have relapsed and refractory MM and for patients who are newly diagnosed with MM. Drug combinations with carfilzomib have the potential to offer novel treatment options and improved overall survival. Finally, ongoing phase III randomized studies with carfilzomib will establish a broader representation of the many potential capabilities of the drug. The results of these trials will help to further define the role of carfilzomib in MM therapy, which may help to provide patients with improved overall survival and quality of life.
