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Current treatment strategies for multiple myeloma
Bernard Grosbois1, Olivier Decaux, Isabelle Azais
1Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35056, Rennes, France
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|March 15, 2002
Summary
Treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) has advanced significantly. High-dose therapy with autografting and new drugs like thalidomide offer improved outcomes for MM patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- The melphalan-prednisone regimen was the standard for multiple myeloma (MM) until 1990.
- The role of alpha-interferon in MM induction and maintenance therapy remains debated.
- Significant advancements in MM treatment have occurred over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of multiple myeloma treatment strategies.
- To highlight recent therapeutic improvements and their impact on patient outcomes.
- To discuss emerging trends in MM management.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies and treatment protocols for multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of therapeutic efficacy for various treatment regimens.
- Evaluation of bisphosphonates and thalidomide in MM management.
Main Results:
- High-dose therapy with autografting shows a clear advantage over conventional treatment in patients under 65.
- Bisphosphonates are effective in mitigating skeletal events in MM patients.
- Thalidomide has demonstrated significant efficacy in advanced multiple myeloma cases.
Conclusions:
- Modern MM treatment has surpassed older regimens like melphalan-prednisone.
- High-dose therapy and novel agents like thalidomide represent major progress.
- Future directions include expanding high-dose therapy and utilizing immunotherapy.