Work

Novel Therapies in Multiple Myeloma for Newly Diagnosed Nontransplant Candidates

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: In the twenty-first century, melphalan-prednisone can no longer be regarded as the standard treatment of multiple myeloma patients not eligible for high-dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. The introduction of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib has improved the arsenal of therapeutic options in multiple myeloma. Indeed, randomized studies have shown that melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide and melphalan-prednisone-bortezomib are superior to melphalan-prednisone alone. In addition, other combinations, including lenalidomide, are under study. In this review, we discuss the role of novel therapies in multiple myeloma in elderly multiple myeloma patients. Important aspects, such as toxicity and the role of prognostic factors, are also addressed.

Source: The Cancer Journal

DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0b013e3181c60f08

Authors: Sigurdur Yngvi Kristinsson, Ola Landgren, Vincent S. Rajkumar