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An Organotypic High Throughput System for Characterization of Drug Sensitivity of Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells
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Published on: July 15, 2015

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Effectiveness of targeted therapy as monotherapy or combined therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple

Sylwia Łopuch, Paweł Kawalec, Natalia Wiśniewska

    Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
    |March 4, 2014
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Combined therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) shows improved progression-free survival but increased adverse events compared to monotherapy. Overall survival benefits were not significant, highlighting the need for individualized treatment strategies.

    Area of Science:

    • Hematology
    • Oncology
    • Clinical Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) presents significant treatment challenges.
    • Targeted agents offer novel therapeutic avenues for MM management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To systematically review the efficacy and safety of targeted agents in monotherapy versus combined therapy for relapsed/refractory MM.
    • To evaluate progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events associated with these treatment strategies.

    Main Methods:

    • Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to May 27, 2013.
    • Meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials comparing targeted monotherapy and combined therapy in MM patients.

    Main Results:

    • Combined therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (P < 0.05) but not overall survival (P > 0.05) compared to monotherapy.
    • Combined therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of serious adverse events and grade 3/4 AEs (P < 0.05).
    • Individual trial results varied, indicating that not all combinations are superior to monotherapy, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • Combined targeted therapy shows specific efficacy benefits but reduced tolerability in relapsed/refractory MM.
    • The overall superiority of combined therapy is contingent on the specific targeted agents used and patient-specific factors.
    • Individualized therapy is crucial, particularly for elderly patients or those with comorbidities.
    Keywords:
    Relapsed/refractory multiple myelomaSystematic review and meta-analysisTargeted therapy

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