Multiple myeloma is one of the common malignancies of the hematologic system. Myeloma cells can invade the bone marrow leading to hematocrit (including anemia and/or thrombocytopenia) and the skeletal system leading to bone destruction, osteoporosis, fractures and osteolytic lesions. Approximately 750,000 people worldwide suffer from multiple myeloma each year, and the number is rising. Only 30% of these patients can survive for more than 5 years, which is one of the lowest long-term survival rates among all tumor patients. Min Zhang, Department of Hematology, Wuhan Union Medical College Hospital
Traditional chemotherapy regimens (including VAD, MP and other regimens) have limited efficacy and cannot fundamentally improve the complete remission rate, disease-free survival time and overall survival of patients. Vanco, the first proteasome inhibitor, won the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its mechanism of action, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway theory, opening up a new avenue of treatment for multiple myeloma. It blocks the degradation of proteins and opens the door to apoptosis in tumor cells. Compared to conventional chemotherapy, Vancor achieves higher complete remission and significantly prolongs the survival time of patients with primary, relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, Vancor also improves the symptoms of bone disease, anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia in patients with multiple myeloma by inducing activation of osteoblasts, inhibiting osteoclasts, and reducing the patient’s own M-protein levels.
It is for its clinical excellence that Vanco was awarded the 2004 National Award for Best Oncology Compound and the 2005 Galen Award, the highest award in the pharmaceutical industry.