Novel therapeutic targets in multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease, and a new perspective on the approach to therapy is required. The aim of this review is to focus on a number of key areas where recent advances in the biology of the disease have not only yielded an understanding of the disease pathogenesis but have also suggested novel treatment approaches. Factors mediating myeloma cell growth, survival and the complex interaction of myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment have provided a framework for the rational design of therapeutic agents. The development of such biologically based treatments which target both the tumour cell and the microenvironment, in order to achieve more complete and selective eradication of myeloma cells and the maintenance of minimal residual disease states, may ultimately lead to improved disease-free survival and potentially a cure.
Davies
F E
FE
Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Anderson
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KC
D001853:Bone Marrow; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D002455:Cell Division; D002470:Cell Survival; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016207:Cytokines; D008565:Membrane Proteins