Those with multiple myeloma within the European Union will soon have access to a new therapeutic option. An article for Cancer Network shares that the European Commission (EC) approved – and granted marketing authorization to – selinexor in conjunction with low-dose dexamethasone and bortezomib. The treatment combination is designed for individuals with previously-treated multiple myeloma.
Karyopharm Therapeutics describes selinexor as:
a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. Selinexor functions by binding with, and inhibiting, the nuclear export protein XPO1, leading to the accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins in the cell nucleus [and] is believed to lead to the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, while largely sparing normal cells.
This approval follows data from the Phase 3 BOSTON clinical trial. Data from the study found that the drug combination, taken once per week, both halted disease progression and reduced the mortality risk.
About Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer that develops in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Normally, plasma cells play a role in immune response; they create antibodies to help fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells proliferate and accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. These abnormal cells also create proteins called M proteins, which can cause a number of health complications. Risk factors include being older in age, being male, being of African ancestry, having a family history of multiple myeloma, radiation exposure, being obese, or having a plasma cell disorder.
Symptoms of this cancer can include:
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Bone pain in the back, ribs, or hips
- Constipation
- Confusion or “brain fog”
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Excessive thirst
- Unintended weight loss
- Recurrent infections
- Hyperviscous blood
- Fatigue
- Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Kidney damage
This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms relating to this cancer. Additionally, not every individual with this cancer will experience the symptoms listed above.