Am J Blood Res 2011;1(2):190-203
Review Article
Novel treatment paradigm for elderly patients with multiple myeloma
Antonio Palumbo, Valeria Magarotto
Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology, University of Torino, AOU San Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy
Received August 26, 2011; accepted September 12, 2011; Epub September 18, 2011; published September 30, 2011
Abstract: The treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone important changes in the last few years. The use of novel
agents, such as the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, has
increased the treatment options available and significantly improved the outcome of this rare disease. Several trials have
shown the advantages linked to the use of novel agents both in young patients, who are considered eligible for
transplantation, and elderly patients, who are considered transplant ineligible. In the non-transplant setting, novel
agent-containing regimens have replaced the traditional melphalan-prednisone approach. Preliminary data also support the
role of consolidation and maintenance therapy to further improve outcomes. An appropriate management of side effects is
fundamental for the success of the treatment, and outcome should always be balanced against the toxicity profile associated
with the regimen used. This review provides an overview of the latest strategies including novel agents used to treat elderly
patients with multiple myeloma. (AJBR1108004).
Keywords: Multiple myeloma, elderly patients, new drugs, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Antonio Palumbo
Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology
University of Torino, AOU San Giovanni Battista
Torino, Italy.
Tel.: +39 01 1663 5814; Fax: +39 01 1696 3737
E-mail: appalumbo@yahoo.com
Review Article
Novel treatment paradigm for elderly patients with multiple myeloma
Antonio Palumbo, Valeria Magarotto
Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology, University of Torino, AOU San Giovanni Battista, Torino, Italy
Received August 26, 2011; accepted September 12, 2011; Epub September 18, 2011; published September 30, 2011
Abstract: The treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone important changes in the last few years. The use of novel
agents, such as the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide, and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, has
increased the treatment options available and significantly improved the outcome of this rare disease. Several trials have
shown the advantages linked to the use of novel agents both in young patients, who are considered eligible for
transplantation, and elderly patients, who are considered transplant ineligible. In the non-transplant setting, novel
agent-containing regimens have replaced the traditional melphalan-prednisone approach. Preliminary data also support the
role of consolidation and maintenance therapy to further improve outcomes. An appropriate management of side effects is
fundamental for the success of the treatment, and outcome should always be balanced against the toxicity profile associated
with the regimen used. This review provides an overview of the latest strategies including novel agents used to treat elderly
patients with multiple myeloma. (AJBR1108004).
Keywords: Multiple myeloma, elderly patients, new drugs, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Antonio Palumbo
Myeloma Unit, Division of Hematology
University of Torino, AOU San Giovanni Battista
Torino, Italy.
Tel.: +39 01 1663 5814; Fax: +39 01 1696 3737
E-mail: appalumbo@yahoo.com
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