Emerging therapies for multiple myeloma

In the past decade, the therapeutic landscape for myeloma has changed dramatically with the advent of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib). These agents alone have activity against myeloma with even better responses when combined with additional agents such as steroids and chemotherapy. Initially introduced for relapsed/refractory disease, these agents are being increasingly tested in the upfront setting with improvement in response rates and prolongation of responses. We review the key findings from recently completed and ongoing studies that evaluate the effect of the novel therapies, both in newly diagnosed myeloma and in relapsed disease. The use of these agents in specific settings is also discussed.