Onkológia 1/2007

Treatment options in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is characterized by a high degree of resistance to conventional therapy, which results in a low complete remission rate and in limited survival. The fact that high-dose therapy (HDT) can overcome tumor resistance resulting in a complete remission rate ranging from 25 to 50 %, has prompted the use of HDT followed by autologous stem cell rescue as part of the front-line therapy during the last 15 years. The important issue concerning autologous transplantation is how to improve its efficacy. One way would be a tandem approach (double autologous or autologous followed by dose- reduced intensity allogeneis), the other way would consist of the incorporation of novel agents with new mechanisms of action such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib.

Keywords: myeloma multiplex, autologous transplantation, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib.