Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:24
Repression of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In Vivo by Single-wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT)-delivered MALAT1 Antisense Oligos
Published on: December 13, 2018
New drugs for myeloma
Paul G Richardson1, Constantine Mitsiades, Robert Schlossman
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Dana 1B02, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. paul_richardson@dfci.harvard.edu
The Oncologist
|July 3, 2007
Summary
Novel agents like bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide have transformed multiple myeloma treatment. These drugs show high response rates and offer a promising future for newly diagnosed and advanced patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma remains incurable with conventional therapies.
- Recent advancements include novel agents like bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide.
- These agents target intracellular signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical data of novel agents in multiple myeloma treatment.
- To highlight the effectiveness of bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide.
- To discuss the future directions in myeloma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of extensive clinical data from studies on bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide.
- Focus on newly diagnosed and advanced multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of combination regimens and novel targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Bortezomib is effective alone and in combination, showing high response rates.
- Thalidomide plus dexamethasone is approved for frontline treatment.
- Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone shows promising results.
Conclusions:
- Bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide represent a new generation of myeloma treatments.
- These agents are in widespread clinical use.
- Further investigation is needed for combinations with other novel agents.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...