How I treat elderly patients with myeloma

Blood. 2010 Sep 30;116(13):2215-23. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-10-163329. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

Abstract

The clinical approach to older patients with myeloma has to be modified to take into account comorbidities and the likelihood of higher treatment-related toxicity. Individualization of management and adequate supportive therapy are important to obtain the best response while minimizing adverse effects. Corticosteroids, novel agents, conventional cytotoxic agents, and high-dose chemotherapy with autotransplantation (modalities used in younger patients) are also used in older patients, although the elderly undergo transplantation less frequently. The sequential use of active agents singly and in different combinations has improved response rates and survival of all patients with myeloma, including the elderly.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Diabetes Complications / therapy
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Palliative Care
  • Remission Induction
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Thromboembolism / etiology
  • Transplantation, Autologous

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates