Treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in adults, which has been associated with an unfavorable prognosis and short survival of patients for decades.The development of new drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and monoclonal antibodies, has significantly improved the survival and quality of life of a large portion of these patients. Despite advances in treatment, the disease remains difficult to cure and tends to recur over a variable time horizon. The treatment of relapsed or refractory disease is based on combinations of the above-mentioned groups of drugs. Their effectiveness, including safety profile, has been documented in a number of clinical studies. This article reviews the therapeutic options for patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.