Abstract

Current treatment options for elderly patients with multiple myeloma: clinical impact of novel agents

Author(s): Sumit Madan and Shaji Kumar

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that typically affects older individuals, with a median age of presentation being 67–70 years. The treatment paradigms for myeloma have changed dramatically in the past decade as a result of the introduction of several new drugs, as well as more widespread use of high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. However, transplant is not an option for a significant proportion of the older patients, owing to either age or comorbidities. In recent years, judicious combination of the new drugs with existing therapies has led to improved outcomes in this group of patients. This article serves to highlight the modern treatment strategies incorporating novel agents, role of maintenance therapy and feasibility of stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with multiple myeloma.