Carfilzomib

Approved by the FDA on 24 July 2015, Carfizomib (Kyprolis®) is used in previously treated, recurrent multiple myeloma with lanalidomide and dexamethasone. Carfilzomib is an orally administered immunomodulator (a drug regulating immunity). Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer in which cancer cells produce excessive proteins, which proteasomes break into smaller structures.

This removes the harmful effects of excess proteins. Carfilzomib blocks proteasomes, preventing protein breakdown; accumulating proteins then become toxic (poisonous) to cancer cells and kill them. Fatigue, difficulty breathing, high fever, reduced blood cells, anemia and high blood pressure (hypertension) are its most common side effects.