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Carfilzomib

Aliases: Kyprolis

Last verified: 2026-09-23

Approved drugStrong evidencePeptidesMedium interest

The short version

A tetrapeptide epoxyketone — second-generation irreversible proteasome inhibitor for myeloma.

Identity & type

Molecular type
peptide
Origin
A tetrapeptide epoxyketone — second-generation irreversible proteasome inhibitor for myeloma.

Mechanism of action

Covalently binds the proteasome → longer inhibition, less neuropathy than bortezomib.

Dosing & routes

Official / clinical context

Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. 20–56 mg/m² IV per schedule.

Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.

Community-reported practice

20–56 mg/m² IV per schedule. Kyprolis: a stronger proteasome inhibitor for relapsed myeloma; less neuropathy, more cardiac monitoring.

Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.

Expected effects (community)

Kyprolis: a stronger proteasome inhibitor for relapsed myeloma; less neuropathy, more cardiac monitoring.

Protocol — official vs community

Official / label

Kyprolis (relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, with dexamethasone ± daratumumab): 20 mg/m² IV on days 1–2 of cycle 1 only (mandatory ramp-up), then the regimen target dose — 27 mg/m² twice-weekly or up to 56 mg/m² once-weekly — on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 of 28-day cycles.

  1. 01Cycle 1, days 1–2: 20 mg/m² (first-cycle escalation for tolerability)
  2. 02Cycle 2 onward: escalate to the target dose (27–56 mg/m² depending on combination regimen)
  3. 03After any hold ≥1 week: re-escalate from 20 mg/m²

Duration: 28-day cycles continued until progression or unacceptable toxicity — commonly months to years across relapsed lines.

Cardiac, pulmonary (dyspnea) and hypertensive events cluster early in therapy, which is the entire rationale for the 20 mg/m² ramp. Hydration and dexamethasone premedication are built into the schedule.

Community (anecdotal)

Structured protocol data for this entry is coming.

Human evidence

Approved 2012; ASPIRE/ENDEAVOR trials.

Preclinical evidence

The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.

Known risks

  • Cardiotoxicity, dyspnea, hypertension.characterized

Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.

Unknowns & evidence gaps

  • Real-world data outside controlled trials

Frequently asked questions

References