Researchers from the University of Cincinnati (UC) have discovered a new therapy for transplant recipients which targets antibody producing cells that can cause organ rejection.
 
Tests found a cancer drug, bortezomib, is effective in treating rejection caused by antibodies that target transplanted kidneys and reversing rejection episodes that did not respond to standard treatments. Bortezomib is a remedy used for multiple myeloma, cancer of the plasma cells.
 
In the study, treatment with bortezomib provided prompt rejection reversal, prolonged reductions in antibody levels and improved organ function with suppression of recurring rejection for at least five months.

This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.