Researchers, reporting in the journal Cancer Research, have discovered that adding the drug salubrinal could dramatically improve Velcade’s effectiveness in treating multiple myeloma. Although this study did not involve human subjects, the findings provide a promising foundation for further research.

Velcade (bortezomib), a proteasome inhibitor, is an FDA-approved novel therapeutic agent for treating multiple myeloma. In clinical trials, Velcade in combination with other agents has achieved high treatment response rates as both frontline and relapse therapy.

Despite Velcade’s demonstrated success at achieving response or even remission, even patients who respond well often …