Study of Patients With Stage IV Malignant Melanoma Using PS-341 (Bortezomib, Velcade) and Interferon-alpha-2b in Malignant Melanoma

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety, tolerability and dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) of VELCADE when administered in combination with interferon-alpha-2b (IFN-α-2b) to patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.

The primary objective of this study is to:

• Determine the safety, tolerability and DLTs of VELCADE when administered in combination with interferon-alpha-2b (IFN-α-2b) to patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.

The secondary objectives of this study are to:

* Document any objective anti-tumor responses that may occur in response to this treatment regimen.
* Document the time to tumor progression in patients receiving this treatment regimen.
* Measure levels of the cell cycle proteins p21 and p27 in PBMCs and tumor biopsies obtained pre-study and during week 4 of Cycle 1 (Day 26).
* Conduct histologic evaluations of microvessel density, tumor apoptosis and lymphocytic infiltrates within tumor biopsies obtained pre- and post-study.
* Measure plasma levels of bFGF and VEGF over the course of the study.
* Monitor the effects of proteasome inhibition on the biological activity of IFN-α within immune cells by measuring Jak-STAT signal transduction in patient PBMCs.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* must have histological or cytological diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma and clinical evidence of metastatic, non-resectable regional lymphatic, or extensive in transit recurrent disease. Patients who have had resected metastases will also be eligible provided they have measurable disease.
* have measurable disease. Measurable disease is defined as the presence of at least one measurable lesion.
* ECOG performance status ≤ 2 (Karnofsky ≥ 60%).
* Female subjects must be either surgically sterilized or willing to use an acceptable method of birth control (ie, a hormonal contraceptive, intra-uterine device, diaphragm with spermicide, condom with spermicide, or abstinence) for the duration of the study. Male subjects must agree to use an acceptable method for contraception for the duration of the study.
* Patients must have normal organ and marrow function.
* Prior Therapy: Patients with an ECOG performance status of ≤ 2 will be eligible for this protocol regardless of the number of prior treatments provided they have recovered from the reversible effects of prior therapy. Patients are permitted to have received therapy with adjuvant IFN-α2b, if it was completed \> 6 months prior to enrollment in the current study.
* Patients with brain metastases are eligible for entry into the study, but must have received definitive therapy consisting of external beam radiation therapy, gamma knife therapy or surgical resection and be clinically stable. Four weeks after the definitive therapy is completed, repeat MRI or CT scans must demonstrate stabilization of disease, and there must be no requirement for Decadron. If the patient does not have brain metastases, then only one brain CT or MRI is required prior to enrollment on study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients meeting any of the following exclusion criteria are not to be enrolled in the study.

  * Patient has a platelet count of \< 100 × 109/L within 14 days before enrollment.
  * Patient has an absolute neutrophil count of \< 1.0 x 109/L within 14 days before enrollment.
* Patient has a calculated or measured creatinine clearance of \< 30 mL/minute within 14 days before enrollment.
* Patient has history of significant brain metastases or other clinically significant central nervous system disease.
* Patient has ≥Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy within 14 days before enrollment.
* Patient has hypersensitivity to bortezomib, boron or mannitol.
* Patients with evidence of proteinuria on urinalysis.
* Female subject is pregnant or breast-feeding.
* Received other investigational drugs with 14 days before enrollment.
* Serious medical or psychiatric illness likely to interfere with participation in this clinical study.
* History of serious psychiatric illness that might be exacerbated by IFN-α-2b.