Novel therapies in multiple myeloma for newly diagnosed nontransplant candidates

Cancer J. 2009 Nov-Dec;15(6):473-8. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e3181c60f08.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Boronic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lenalidomide
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Prognosis
  • Pyrazines / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Boronic Acids
  • Pyrazines
  • Thalidomide
  • Bortezomib
  • Dexamethasone
  • Lenalidomide
  • Melphalan
  • Prednisone