Current and emerging treatments for multiple myeloma
Rowena N Schwartz1, Michael Vozniak
1The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Carnegie 180, Baltimore, MD 21287-6503, USA. rschwa26@jhmi.edu
Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy : JMCP
|November 1, 2008
Summary
Recent advancements in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, including new immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors, have significantly improved patient outcomes and remission durations. Personalized therapies based on disease biology and cytogenetics are becoming the future standard of care.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) prognosis and treatment have significantly evolved.
- Newer agents like immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors have improved patient outcomes and remission periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current MM treatments, including drug therapy and management of adverse effects and comorbidities.
- Discuss emerging agents for MM and related conditions like metastatic bone disease and venous thromboembolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current and emerging MM treatments.
- Analysis of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data for novel therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Current MM therapy involves corticosteroids, lenalidomide, thalidomide, and bortezomib.
- High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant remains a key treatment component, with ongoing risk-benefit evaluations.
- Newer drug therapies and combinations are being developed for transplant-ineligible patients and those with relapsed/refractory disease.
Conclusions:
- Understanding of MM pathology has led to targeted, individualized therapies.
- MM treatment is increasingly tailored to patient-specific factors, including cytogenetic profiles.
- Advancements offer potential to manage MM as a chronic condition rather than a terminal illness.
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