Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Bortezomib in kidney transplantation
Rajeev Raghavan1, Abdallah Jeroudi, Katafan Achkar
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Although current therapies for pretransplant desensitization and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) have had some success, they do not specifically deplete plasma cells that produce antihuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma (a plasma cell neoplasm), induces plasma cell apoptosis. In this paper we review the current body of literature regarding the use of this biological agent in the field of transplantation. Although limited experience with bortezomib may seem to show promise in the realm of transplant recipients desensitization and treatment of AMR, there is also experience that may suggest otherwise. Bortezomib's role in desensitization protocols and treatment of AMR will be defined better as more clinical data and trials become available.
Although current therapies for pretransplant desensitization and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) have had some success, they do not specifically deplete plasma cells that produce antihuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma (a plasma cell neoplasm), induces plasma cell apoptosis. In this paper we review the current body of literature regarding the use of this biological agent in the field of transplantation. Although limited experience with bortezomib may seem to show promise in the realm of transplant recipients desensitization and treatment of AMR, there is also experience that may suggest otherwise. Bortezomib's role in desensitization protocols and treatment of AMR will be defined better as more clinical data and trials become available.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

