The Impact of Velcade(TM)on Antibody Secreting Cells in Sensitized Renal Allograft Candidates

Patients planning to have kidney transplantation who are sensitized to their donors have high levels of donor specific alloantibodies. High levels of donor specific antibodies put kidney transplant recipients at risk for rejection very early after transplant. This study is trying to determine if the drug bortezomib (Velcade ™) can reduce donor specific alloantibodies to a level that permits kidney transplantation without a high risk for rejection.