Integrating novel agents into multiple myeloma treatment - current status in Switzerland and treatment recommendations

Swiss Med Wkly. 2010 Sep 13:140:w13054. doi: 10.4414/smw.2010.13054. eCollection 2010.

Abstract

The treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone significant changes in the recent past. The arrival of novel agents, especially thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide, has expanded treatment options and patient outcomes are improving significantly. This article summarises the discussions of an expert meeting which was held to debate current treatment practices for multiple myeloma in Switzerland concerning the role of the novel agents and to provide recommendations for their use in different treatment stages based on currently available clinical data. Novel agent combinations for the treatment of newly diagnosed, as well as relapsed multiple myeloma are examined. In addition, the role of novel agents in patients with cytogenetic abnormalities and renal impairment, as well as the management of the most frequent side effects of the novel agents are discussed. The aim of this article is to assist in treatment decisions in daily clinical practice to achieve the best possible outcome for patients with multiple myeloma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bone Marrow / drug effects
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Boronic Acids / adverse effects
  • Boronic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Bortezomib
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Lenalidomide
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Plasma Cells / drug effects
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Pyrazines / adverse effects
  • Pyrazines / therapeutic use
  • Retreatment
  • Switzerland
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Boronic Acids
  • Pyrazines
  • Thalidomide
  • Bortezomib
  • Lenalidomide