Hematology: Bortezomib in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Preclinical studies have shown that new agents such as bortezomib not only demonstrate anti-multiple-myeloma activity as single agents but also enhance the efficacy of both chemotherapy and steroids. A randomized trial has established that bortezomib not only improves response rates but also prolongs the lives of patients with multiple myeloma who are not candidates for high-dose chemotherapy.