Proteasome inhibitors

Proteasome inhibitors are drugs that block a key protein-degrading complex called the proteasome in cells. The proteasome helps remove damaged or unneeded proteins, maintaining cellular health. In some cancers, particularly multiple myeloma, cancer cells rely heavily on the proteasome for survival due to their rapid growth and protein turnover. By inhibiting the proteasome, these drugs cause an accumulation of defective proteins in cancer cells, leading to stress and eventually cell death. This selective targeting helps slow or stop cancer progression with manageable side effects, making proteasome inhibitors an important class in cancer therapy.