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The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade) is active in patients with multiple myeloma and other lymphoid malignancies, but it has been associated with elevated rates of herpes zoster infection. To assess the frequency of zoster infections in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, investigators performed an industry-supported, post hoc analysis of a phase III APEX clinical trial of single-agent bortezomib versus high-dose dexamethasone (Blood 2007; 110:3557). Of 663 patients assessed in the present study, 331 received at least one dose of bortezomib, and 332 patients received at least one dose of dexamethasone. Zoster infections were identified from adverse-event reports.
More bortezomib-treated patients experienced zoster infection tha…