Current trends in multiple myeloma management

Treatment of multiple myeloma, a B-cell cancer, is usually palliative, however, as a result of intensive clinical research there are numerous new treatment options available today. The present review summarizes non-transplant treatment options for multiple myeloma on the basis of available publications. Treatment with new substances, such as immunomodulatory agents, farnesyl transferase inhibitors and apoptosis stimulators, and their mechanisms of action are discussed. In addition to this systematic review of the available evidence on multiple myeloma therapy we have also summarized current recommendations from national and international organizations on aspects of the treatment of multiple myeloma. This should enable readers to see different points of view at a glance and, hopefully, will provide a basis for translation of the available evidence into the best possible therapy.