Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a relatively common hematologic neoplasia with an annual incidence in the United States of approx 13,000 newly diagnosed patients and responsible for 1% of all cancer deaths. Some patients are diagnosed by chance and should not be treated unless there is evidence of an imminent complication or demonstration of progressive disease. However, most patients present with a variety of symptoms and signs that require immediate treatment. At present, the disease is considered incurable with conventional treatment and the realistic goals of treatment are relief of symptoms and prolongation of a good quality of life for as long as possible. The treatment of MM should focus on the management of the complications of the disease, along with attempts to reduce the growth of malignant plasma cells.