[Current results of chemotherapy in multiple myeloma]

Since multiple myeloma has a heterogenous character in its pathophysiology, it is clinically classified according to various kinds of factors. Therefore, in the treatment of multiple myeloma, it is important to select efficacious regimens considering the different progress or modes of the diseases as defined by both Durie and Salmon's staging systems and tumor distribution classifications. In this review, the correlation between the response to chemotherapy and survival was analyzed and demonstrated to be significant when we used new response criteria, namely the serum albumin and M-protein levels after the treatment. The new criteria should be applied to determine a prognosis and improve survival. Recently, there has been progress in treatments involving high-dose melphalan combined with autologous bone marrow transplantation for refractory or relapsed myeloma patients. This treatment is anticipated to prolong survival.