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Review
. 2009 Dec;23(12):2222-32.
doi: 10.1038/leu.2009.179. Epub 2009 Sep 10.

The use of novel agents in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

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Review

The use of novel agents in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

J P Laubach et al. Leukemia. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

Although outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have improved over the past decade, the disease remains incurable and even patients who respond well to induction therapy ultimately relapse and require additional treatment. Conventional chemotherapy and high-dose therapy with stem cell transplantation (SCT) have historically been utilized in the management of relapsed MM, but in recent years the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) thalidomide and lenalidomide, as well as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have assumed a primary role in this setting. This review focuses on the role of thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib in relapsed and refractory MM, with additional discussion dedicated to emerging drugs in relapsed MM that may prove beneficial to patients with this disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

JP Laubach: Advisory Board Novartis Pharmaceuticals. CS Mitsiades: Consultant Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Kosan Pharmaceuticals. RL Schlossman: Speakers Bureau Celgene Corporation and Millennium Pharmaceuticals. IM Ghobrail: Speakers Bureau Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. KC Anderson: Advisory Board Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals; Consultant Celgene Corporation and Millennium Pharmaceuticals. PG Richardson: Advisory Board Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals; Speakers Bureau Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Research support was provided by Celegene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

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