1,721,192 research outputs found

    Peripheral blood progenitor cells mobilization in patients with Multiple Myeloma

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    Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is considered the standard therapy for younger patients with newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). The introduction into clinical practice of novel agents (i.e.: proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory derivatives [IMiDs]) has significantly contributed to major advances in MM therapy and prognosis. These novel agents are incorporated into induction regimens to enhance the depth of response before ASCT and further improve post-ASCT outcomes. Collection of adequate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is necessary for successful autologous transplantation. The mobilizing regimen usually consists of cyclophosphamide or disease-specific agents, in combination with a hematopoietic cytokine, usually G-CSF, which mobilizes HPSCs into the bloodstream, in particular when administered after myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In some patients, the number of mobilized CD34+ cells is not sufficient to perform successful stem cell transplantation due to bone marrow damage by neoplastic proliferation and/or chemoradiotherapy. To improve the collection of CD34+ cells, the mobilization procedure can be repeated or an alternative chemotherapy regimen can be chosen. Recently, the new drug plerixafor (Mozobil®) has been introduced to increase the number of circulating CD34+ cells. Its use increases the level of functional HPCs in the peripheral blood, with long-term resettlemen

    Novel agents and new therapeutic approaches for treatment of multiple myeloma

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    This review summarizes the therapeutic strategies and the drugs actually in development for the management of myeloma patients. Multiple myeloma is caused by the expansion of monoclonal plasma cells and secretion of M-protein (immunoglobulins, Bence Jones protein and free light chains). Multiple myeloma still remains an incurable disease with a high incidence rate in the elderly, despite the introduction of several new therapeutic agents (bortezomib, lenalidomide and thalidomide) which have changed its natural history. The high heterogeneity of this disease leads to large differences in clinical responses to treatments. Thus, the choice of the best treatment is a difficult issue. However, the introduction of new drugs has made it possible to achieve high response rates and good quality responses with long-term disease control. Interactions between tumor cells and their bone marrow microenvironment play a pivotal role in the development, maintenance, and progression of myeloma, inducing also drug resistance. These knowledges have improved treatment options, leading to the approval of new drugs which not only target the malignant cell itself, but also its microenvironment. These agents are in preclinical/early clinical evaluation and they appear to further improve disease control, but their use is still not approved outside of clinical trials
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