Targeted therapy of multiple myeloma

Nathan G. Dolloff, Giampaolo Talamo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy and the second most common hematologic cancer. MM is characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow, and presents clinically with a broad range of symptoms, including hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, and lytic bone lesions. MM is a heterogeneous disease associated with genomic instability, where patients may express multiple genetic abnormalities that affect several oncogenic pathways. Commonly detected genetic aberrations are translocations involving immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) switch regions (chromosome 14q32) and oncogenes such as c-maf [t(14:16)], cyclin D1 [t(11:14)], and FGFR3/MMSET [t(4:14)]. Advances in the basic understanding of MM and the development of novel agents, such as the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) thalidomide and lenalidomide and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have increased therapeutic response rates and prolonged patient survival. Despite these advances MM remains incurable in the majority of patients, and it is therefore critical to identify additional therapeutic strategies and targets for its treatment. In this chapter, we review the underlying genetic components of MM and discuss the results of recent clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted agents in the management of MM. In addition, we discuss experimental therapies that are currently in clinical development along with their molecular rationale in the treatment of MM.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationImpact of Genetic Targets on Cancer Therapy
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media, LLC
Pages197-221
Number of pages25
ISBN (Print)9781461461753
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume779
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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