title: Approach to the treatment of multiple myeloma: a clash of philosophies.
abstract: In this Perspective, we summarize some of the most contentious issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment of myeloma. We outline how a fundamental clash of philosophies, cure versus control, may be at the heart of many of the controversies. From the very definition of the disease to risk stratification to the validity of current clinical trial endpoints, we highlight the major areas of debate and provide alternative viewpoints that have implications for trial design and interpretation, as well as clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. rajkumar.vincent@mayo.edu
authors.forename: S Vincent
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Rajkumar
authors.forename: Gösta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gahrton
authors.forename: P Leif
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Bergsagel
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D012107:Research Design / Q000639:trends*; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers