Bortezomib in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a hematological malignancy with unfavorable prognosis. Bortezomib, a potent, selective and reversible inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, was shown to be active in MCL and is currently implemented in therapeutic combinations. Single-agent bortezomib has demonstrated clinical efficacy in relapsed and refractory MCL with objective response in up to 47% of the patients. However, complete remission rates are low and duration of response is relatively short. In previously untreated patients, the addition of bortezomib to induction chemotherapy is also promising. Further evaluation of bortezomib alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of MCL is warranted to improve the quality of life and survival of patients. This review explores bortezomib as therapy in patients with MCL.