Multiple myeloma--an update on diagnosis and treatment.
Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell (PC) malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal PCs in the bone marrow and the production of large amounts of a monoclonal immunoglobulin or paraprotein. In the past years, new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment were introduced aiming to identify high-risk patients who need proper anti-myeloma treatment. Intensive therapy including autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the new agents bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide have improved patients' responses. Further optimalization of the different treatment schedules in well-defined patient groups may prolong their survival. Patient stratification is currently based on patient characteristics, extent of myeloma disease, and associated cytogenetic and laboratory anomalies. More and more gene expression studies are introduced to stratify patients and to individualize therapy.
Caers
Jo
J
Department of Clinical Hematology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Vande broek
Isabelle
I
De Raeve
Hendrik
H
Michaux
Lucienne
L
Trullemans
Fabienne
F
Schots
Rik
R
Van Camp
Ben
B
Vanderkerken
Karin
K
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000378:metabolism; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D010266:Paraproteins; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010266:Paraproteins