title: Disease control in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma: what is the optimal duration of therapy?
abstract: Novel agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide have improved outcomes and extended survival in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). These agents appear to be most effective when used at first relapse rather than later in the treatment sequence; however, the optimal duration of therapy has not been defined. Continuous therapy from relapse to disease progression may be able to maintain suppression of residual disease, thereby extending overall survival. This article reviews the currently available data on treatments, including novel agents for patients with RRMM, focusing on the duration of therapy required to improve clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Medicine, Center for Oncology and Haematology, Vienna, Austria. heinz.ludwig@wienkav.at
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ludwig
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sonneveld
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001897:Boronic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069286:Bortezomib; D002138:Calibration; D018450:Disease Progression; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D060046:Maintenance Chemotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011719:Pyrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012008:Recurrence; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001897:Boronic Acids; D011719:Pyrazines; D013792:Thalidomide; D000069286:Bortezomib; D000077269:Lenalidomide