Current treatment strategies for multiple myeloma

The treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone significant changes in the last few years. The availability of novel agents--especially thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide--has expanded treatment options and has substantially improved the prognosis of affected patients. This article summarizes the most relevant results of large clinical trials with a special focus on the integration of novel agents in the treatment of newly diagnosed as well as relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in patients eligible for high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous transplantation as well as in older patients not eligible for autologous transplantation. Recommendations for the use of novel agents in different treatment stages based on currently available clinical data are provided.