[Recent biological and therapeutic advances in multiple myeloma]

Recenti Prog Med. 1992 Sep;83(9):520-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Multiple myeloma still remains a fatal disease. However, in the last months new biological and clinical informations have been provided about this disease. In particular, the immunophenotype of myeloma cells seems indicate, in some patients, a clonal involvement of a stem cell in the pathogenesis of mieloma. Moreover, new biological insights concerning the cytokine network, have revealed a probable effect of some cytokines, such as IL6, IL3, IL4. Finally, new insights in the biology of multiple myeloma have been provided by studies of molecular biology and flow cytometry. As for therapy, the best conventional induction treatment still remains to be defined. In the last years, the increased use of alpha Interferon and new therapeutic modalities, such as transplantation procedures in multiple myeloma, open new hopes toward a cure of this disease. Therefore, in the future a better knowledge of the multiple myeloma biology, associated with a wider use of new effective therapeutic approaches will certainly improve the natural course of this disease.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Karyotyping
  • Melphalan / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Myeloma* / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma* / therapy
  • Phenotype
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • Melphalan
  • Prednisone