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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Establishment of a Human Multiple Myeloma Xenograft Model in the Chicken to Study Tumor Growth, Invasion and Angiogenesis
Published on: May 1, 2015
Targeted therapeutics for multiple myeloma: the arrival of a risk-stratified approach
Rafael Fonseca1, A Keith Stewart
1Mayo Clinic, 13208 East Shea Boulevard, Collaborative Research Building 3-006, Scottsdale, AZ 85259-5494, USA. fonseca.rafael@mayo.edu
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematologic malignancy characterized by frequent early responses, inevitably followed by treatment relapse. Until recently, few effective therapies existed. Indeed, the use of alkylating agents and corticosteroids had remained the treatment of choice for almost four decades. Several novel agents for MM have now become available, including the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide, as well as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Each of these agents is undergoing extensive clinical evaluation in combination with other therapies to produce unprecedented response rates in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM. Nevertheless, relapse remains universal and further therapeutics with broad activity are required. Importantly, it has become clear that pivotal genetic events are the primary harbingers of clinical outcome and novel targeted therapy approaches using existing approved drugs or novel agents, which address that disrupted signaling pathways are now in various stages of clinical testing. It seems increasingly likely that novel drug combinations, which together turn off these critical Achilles heels, will become the standard of care and that treatment will become increasingly personalized and guided by genetic testing and prognostic factors.
Insights
Multiple myeloma (MM) treatment has advanced with novel drugs like immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, improving response rates. However, relapse remains a challenge, necessitating personalized, genetically guided therapies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer with high relapse rates.
- Traditional treatments like alkylating agents and corticosteroids were used for decades.
- Recent advancements include immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide) and proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of multiple myeloma therapeutics.
- To highlight the impact of novel agents on treatment response rates.
- To discuss the future of personalized medicine in MM guided by genetic factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical evaluations and therapeutic strategies for MM.
- Analysis of novel agents including immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors.
- Exploration of targeted therapy approaches based on genetic events.
Main Results:
- Novel agents have significantly improved response rates in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM.
- Despite improved responses, universal relapse remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Pivotal genetic events are identified as key predictors of clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Further development of broadly active therapeutics is crucial for MM.
- Targeted therapies addressing specific genetic pathways show promise.
- Personalized treatment strategies guided by genetic testing and prognostic factors are the future of MM care.
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