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29-01-2025 | Review Article

Multiple Myeloma: Improved Outcomes Resulting from a Rapidly Expanding Number of Therapeutic Options

Authors: Sarah Mettias, Adam ElSayed, Jonathan Moore, James R. Berenson

Published in: Targeted Oncology

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Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a bone-marrow-based cancer of plasma cells. Over the last 2 decades, marked treatment advances have led to improvements in the overall survival (OS) of patients with this disease. Key developments include the use of chemotherapy, immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. MM remains incurable, with outcomes influenced by many factors, including age, sex, genetics, and treatment response. This review summarizes recent studies regarding monitoring and treatment of MM, emphasizing the efficacy of new therapies, the impact of maintenance treatments, and approaches for managing relapsed or refractory MM. The role of specific drug classes used to treat MM, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and newer treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies are discussed. Combination therapies have significantly improved outcomes. Maintenance therapies, particularly with lenalidomide, have been effective in extending OS but lead to an increased risk of secondary cancers. Venetoclax, selinexor, and ruxolitinib have shown potential as new therapeutic options for patients with relapsed or refractory MM. Immune-based treatments, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, mark a major advancement for heavily pretreated patients, although challenges remain related to cost, availability, and side effects. The treatment landscape for patients with MM has seen significant progress, with current therapies providing a longer OS and better quality of life. Future research should focus on optimizing these strategies, personalizing therapies, and exploring new therapeutic targets.
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Metadata
Title
Multiple Myeloma: Improved Outcomes Resulting from a Rapidly Expanding Number of Therapeutic Options
Authors
Sarah Mettias
Adam ElSayed
Jonathan Moore
James R. Berenson
Publication date
29-01-2025
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Targeted Oncology
Print ISSN: 1776-2596
Electronic ISSN: 1776-260X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11523-024-01122-4

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