Bisphosphonate therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma
M A Lawson1, J Ashcroft, P I Croucher
1Bone Biology Group, Department of Human Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. m.a.lawson@shef.ac.uk
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma is an incurable B cell neoplasm caused by the monoclonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, often resulting in devastating bone disease. For over 2 decades bisphosphonates have been successfully used to treat the tumour-induced bone disease associated with multiple myeloma. This review will focus on preclinical studies and investigations in patients with multiple myeloma that have led to our current understanding of the mechanisms of action of bisphosphonates in myeloma bone disease. Major advances in the use of bisphosphonates, including findings that they may have additional benefits such as anti-tumour effects and promoting patient survival will be discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
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...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
