An overview of the progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Issue 1 (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kyle, Robert A; Rajkumar, S Vincent
• Is Part Of: Expert review of hematology. Volume 7:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: historical features -- melphalan -- multiple myeloma -- novel agents -- stem cell transplantation; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.15005
• DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2014.870030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4086

Abstract

Abstract : Effective therapy for multiple myeloma has existed for a little more than the last half century. The introduction of melphalan 55 years ago was followed by a stagnant period of four decades in which many combinations of alkylating agents and chemotherapeutic drugs were developed without a significant increase in overall survival. The first novel agent, thalidomide, was introduced 15 years ago when it was used as an anti-angiogenesis agent. This was followed by a proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib. Then lenalidomide, a second-generation analog of thalidomide was introduced. More recently carfilzomib, a proteasome inhibitor, and pomalidomide, a third-generation derivative of thalidomide have entered the marketplace. Many new agents are in development and potentially available for future therapy.