J Korean Med Assoc.
2023 Apr;66(4):245-252. 10.5124/jkma.2023.66.4.245.
Recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
- KMID: 2541905
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2023.66.4.245
Abstract
- Background
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell neoplasm characterized by anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, and osteolytic bone lesions. Although it is a complex and challenging disease, recent advances in treatment options have improved outcomes for patients with MM. In this review, we will discuss the recent treatment strategies for MM and introduce emerging agents.
Current Concepts
One breakthrough in the field of MM has been the development of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies. These agents have been shown to markedly improve survival in patients with MM. Furthermore, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation remains important in the treatment of transplant-eligible patients. More recently, new immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy or bispecific monoclonal antibodies and agents with new mechanisms of action, have shown promise in the treatment of MM, particularly in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. The recent advancements in MM treatment have greatly improved patient outcomes and offer hope for a cure.
Discussion and Conclusion
MM remains an incurable blood cancer owing to repeated relapses. However, the development of CAR T-cell therapies and double-antibody therapies has resulted in remarkable effects in recent clinical trials. Furthermore, combination therapies based on these agents have emerged, and the effectiveness of these agents and combination therapies in the early stages of the disease is being assessed in various clinical trials. Therefore, a cure for MM may soon be possible if the results of these clinical trials are reported and adopted into practice.
