Current Multiple Myeloma Treatment Strategies with Novel Agents: A European Perspective

Abstract

This review presents an overview of the most recent data using the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma and summarizes European treatment practices incorporating these novel agents.

Management of myeloma-associated renal dysfunction in the era of novel therapies

“…Combinations of these agents with dexamethasone are now considered as options for first-line therapy for induction, maintenance and salvage therapy [47,48], with autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) remaining a cornerstone of therapy for appropriately selected patients. Choice of treatment is guided by a number of factors, including age, comorbid conditions, eligibility for SCT and risk assessment, as determined by both International Staging System stage and cyto genetic findings [49,50].…”

“…Choice of treatment is guided by a number of factors, including age, comorbid conditions, eligibility for SCT and risk assessment, as determined by both International Staging System stage and cyto genetic findings [49,50]. Recent accumulating evidence suggests that therapies with novel agents are changing the perception that RI per se is an ominous sign in the course of MM [48]. We will review the use of these drugs both as single agents and in different combinations in this setting, and specifically in terms of efficacy, safety, potential dose adjustments and their impact on the reversibility of RI.…”

Guest editorial: understanding the pathogenesis and the evolving treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma in the era of novel agents

“…The introduction of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib has significantly improved the response rates and survival outcome in patients with myeloma (MM), and been integrated into MM treatment [1][2][3]. These new agents target not only the intracellular mechanisms in MM cells but also the interaction between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment.…”

Pravastatin induces cell cycle arrest and decreased production of VEGF and bFGF in multiple myeloma cell line

“…It is the second most common hematopoietic neoplastic disease (Gadó et al, 2001). The proliferation of tumor cells in bone marrow results in bone destruction, suppress antibody production and lead to renal failure (Ludwig et al, 2010;Raab et al, 2009). The plasma cell adhesion on bone marrow increases the secretion of cytokines which in turn stimulate the proliferation of tumor cells contributing to their survival, migration and induce resistance to chemotherapeutic agents (Balakumaran et al, 2010;Peng et al, 2011).…”