Update on the Initial Therapy of Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Advances in myeloma biology and the identification of new anti-myeloma agents have resulted in improved management of younger, transplant-eligible, and older patients. The first novel agents—thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide—have been integrated into induction therapy before autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as well as into first-line therapy in elderly individuals; phase III trials have established the superiority of these approaches in terms of better response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and, in some studies, overall survival. With more experience, improvements in dosing have decreased the toxicity of these regimens. Before ASCT, four phase III studies have shown that bortezomib-based regimens confer better outcomes than older regimens. Posttransplant consolidation and maintenance strategies with novel agents provide additional benefit, particularly in terms of a longer PFS. In the elderly population, novel agents can be combined with melphalan plus prednisone (MP). MP plus thalidomide and MP plus bortezomib are commonly utilized, and the regimen of MP plus lenalidomide with lenalidomide maintenance (MPR + R) produces superior response rates and longer PFS compared with MP alone. Prolonged maintenance with bortezomib plus thalidomide also appears to extend PFS when given following combinations of MP plus bortezomib. Treatment of very elderly patients, however, remains challenging due to comorbidities and side effects. Lenalidomide plus weekly dexamethasone is also effective in elderly patients, and results of a trial comparing this regimen with MP plus thalidomide should be available soon. Finally, better methods of risk stratification and the availability of even newer drugs will allow future refinements in myeloma treatment.