Multiple Myeloma: Challenges Encountered and Future Options for Better Treatment

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 31;23(3):1649. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031649.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant hematological disease. The disease is characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM accounts for 1.3% of all malignancies and has been increasing in incidence all over the world. Various genetic abnormalities, mutations, and translocation, including epigenetic modifications, are known to contribute to the disease's pathophysiology. The prognosis is good if detected early, or else the outcome is very bad if distant metastasis has already occurred. Conventional treatment with drugs poses a challenge when there is drug resistance. In the present review, we discuss multiple myeloma and its treatment, drug resistance, the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation, the role of natural products in epigenetic regulators, diet, physical activity, addiction, and environmental pollutants, which may be beneficial for clinicians and researchers.

Keywords: drug resistance; epigenetic; management; modifications; multiple myeloma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Prognosis
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects

Substances

  • Biological Products