Novel targets and derived small molecule inhibitors in multiple myeloma.
Recent research advances have defined a key role of the bone marrow (BM) in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis thereby leading to new treatment paradigms, which aim to target both the tumor cell as well as its BM microenvironment. The incorporation of thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide into conventional cytotoxic and transplantation regimens in relapsed and refractory, but also in newly diagnosed MM has changed treatment options during the last decade. However, MM remains still incurable. Ongoing translational research aims to identify additional therapeutic targets and to design derived agents, predominantly small molecule inhibitors, with higher potency and less toxicity to further improve MM patient outcome and to overcome drug resistance.
National Center for Tumor Diseases/ University of Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. klaus.podar@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Klaus
K
Podar
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents