Therapy for multiple myeloma - historical perspective: review of literature

The current therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma has witnessed a dramatic improvement when compared with the rhubarb pill and infusion of orange peel that were used in 1844. It is still an incurable disease but the introduction of novel therapies have altered the natural course of the disease, transforming it into a chronic disease from a terminal illness. Recently an increased understanding of the interaction between the malignant plasma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment, cell-receptor ligand interactions and intracellular signalling pathways, have provided multiple opportunities to disrupt the development and progress of multiple myeloma. Following the success of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib in multiple myeloma, a number of novel agents are currently investigation. These targeted therapies may enable personalization of therapy for individuals with myeloma in future.