Bortezomib induces different apoptotic rates in B-CLL cells according to IgVH and BCL-6 mutations

Background B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a remarkably heterogeneous disorder. Some patients have an indolent disease whereas others undergo a more agressive presentation needing treatment. New therapeutics approaches are necessary for the treatment of B-CLL. Bortezomib (Btz), is a proteasome inhibitor, currently undergoing clinical trials whose function, at least in part, by stabilizing the I⦊Bα protein and inhibiting NF⦊B activation.