A meta-analysis of phase III data in patients with multiple myeloma who were eligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation has shown that bortezomib induction is the superior induction treatment option available. Patient-level data from three major studies (IFM 2005-01, HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4 and PETHEMA) and >1,500 patients were included in the analysis, which compared bortezomib–dexamethasone, vincristine–doxorubicin–dexamethasone, bortezomib–doxorubicin–dexamethasone, bortezomib–thalidomide–dexamethasone and thalidomide–dexamethasone regimens. Bortezomib-based induction extended progression-free survival and overall survival compared with non-bortezomib-based regimens, and was well tolerated. Importantly, these regimens improved responses of patients who received the stem-cell transplantations compared with the alternatives.