Bortezomib

Bortezomib is a targeted anticancer drug classified as a proteasome inhibitor, primarily used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It works by inhibiting the 26S proteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading unneeded or damaged proteins within cells. By blocking this system, bortezomib causes an accumulation of toxic proteins in cancer cells, leading to cellular stress and apoptosis (programmed cell death), especially in rapidly dividing tumor cells. Administered either by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, bortezomib is often used in combination with other agents such as dexamethasone or lenalidomide, and has become a cornerstone in the management of plasma cell malignancies.