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  • Review Article
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Review Article

Challenges in multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment

Leukemia Supplements volume 2, pages S3–S9 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Although multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease, the advent of novel treatment paradigms has improved survival outcomes in the past two decades. This includes widespread use of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT–ASCT) and the development of the novel agents thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib. The efficacy and tolerability of these novel agents have allowed for the exploration of continuous therapy approaches. Maintenance therapy after HDT–ASCT, for example, may help prolong progression-free survival by providing sustained control of residual disease. Trials are also under way to evaluate lenalidomide in patients with high-risk smoldering MM, with the aim of delaying progression to symptomatic MM. Other research is focusing on improving HDT–ASCT protocols and integrating novel agents, such as bortezomib, as an induction or consolidation therapy. Despite these advances, more effective strategies are needed, particularly for the management of older, less fit patients who are ineligible for HDT–ASCT. Preliminary results on the use of lenalidomide maintenance therapy in elderly patients are encouraging. Taken together, these observations indicate that in this era of novel agents, optimal treatment of MM requires a long-term perspective that focuses on providing sustained disease control while maintaining quality of life.

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Acknowledgements

NM was supported by a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs Merit Review Award I01-BX001584 and the National Institutes of Health grants RO1-124929, PO1-155258, P50-100007 and PO1-78378M.

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  1. Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA

    S Girnius & N C Munshi

  2. Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    S Girnius

  3. Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

    N C Munshi

  4. Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    N C Munshi

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SG has no conflicts of interest to report. NM serves on advisory committees for Millenium, Celgene, Onyx and Merck. NM also owns equity in OncoPep.

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Girnius, S., Munshi, N. Challenges in multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment. Leukemia Suppl 2 (Suppl 1), S3–S9 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/leusup.2013.2

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