Clinical treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Abstract

The introduction of the novel agents, thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide as part of the frontline induction both in transplant and non-transplant candidates have markedly improved the anti-myeloma efficacy of the different therapeutic regimens and improved patients' prognosis. Current treatment goals are aimed to further improve the rate of complete remission, time to progression, progression-free survival and overall survival without increasing toxicity. Besides, different strategies are being developed in the elderly population as this group of patients requires a closer monitoring with individualized, dose-modified regimens to improve tolerability while maintaining their quality of life. This article reviews the current landscape of frontline treatment both in transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Keywords: frontline therapy; multiple myeloma; newly diagnosed.