Advances in the management of myeloma bone disease

Multiple myeloma is the second most common adult haematological malignancy. One of the major clinical features is the development of a unique osteolytic bone disease, characterised by progressive and devastating bone destruction, bone pain, pathological fractures and hypercalcaemia. Bisphosphonates, inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption, are the standard therapy for myeloma-induced bone disease. However, as our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of myeloma bone disease increases, new molecular targets have been identified for the treatment of this devastating bone disease.