Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Measuring Diurnal Rhythms in Autophagic and Proteasomal Flux
Published on: September 17, 2019
Subcutaneous versus intravenous bortezomib: efficiency practice variables and patient preferences
Meagan S Barbee1, R Donald Harvey, Sagar Lonial
1Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA.
Subcutaneous bortezomib offers improved efficiency and patient preference over intravenous administration for multiple myeloma treatment. This method reduces chair time and overall visit duration, enhancing patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Oncology
Background:
- Subcutaneous bortezomib demonstrates comparable efficacy to intravenous administration for multiple myeloma.
- Previous research indicates subcutaneous bortezomib is associated with reduced neuropathy incidence.
- Limited data exists on the impact of subcutaneous bortezomib on practice efficiency and patient preferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and quantify differences in practice efficiency variables between subcutaneous and intravenous bortezomib administration.
- To assess and compare patient preferences and satisfaction levels for subcutaneous versus intravenous bortezomib.
- To analyze the effect of bortezomib administration route on infusion center logistics and patient experience.
Main Methods:
- A two-part study involving retrospective medical record review and patient surveys.
- Efficiency metrics including infusion chair time and total visit duration were analyzed for patients receiving at least six bortezomib doses.
- Patient surveys collected data on preferences, satisfaction, injection site reactions, and quality of life for those receiving both administration routes.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous bortezomib significantly reduced chair time by 38% and overall visit time by 27% compared to intravenous administration.
- A majority of surveyed patients (68%) preferred subcutaneous bortezomib and reported higher satisfaction.
- Injection site reactions occurred in 39% of patients, with no significant difference between preference groups.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous bortezomib administration is more time-efficient for both patients and healthcare institutions.
- Patients demonstrate a clear preference for subcutaneous bortezomib over the intravenous route.
- The findings support the adoption of subcutaneous bortezomib for improved patient experience and operational efficiency in multiple myeloma care.
Related Concept Videos
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: General Considerations
The drug's presence in the body is defined by an equation representing the difference between the rates of drug entry and exit. Key parameters—elimination rate constant,...
Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods
Two-Compartment Open Model: IV Bolus Administration
The disparity between drug input and the sum of drug transfer rates between...
One-Compartment Open Model for IV Bolus Administration: Estimation of Clearance
In the one-compartment open model for intravenous (IV) bolus administration, clearance is estimated by dividing the elimination rate by the plasma drug concentration. This equation leverages the elimination rate constant and the apparent...

