Frontline treatment of multiple myeloma.

The treatment of myeloma has been revolutionized by the availability of new drugs. Combination therapy followed by stem cell transplant holds the promise of ultimately curing a fraction of patients. Objective responses are the norm for induction therapy and up to 50% of patients achieve a complete remission. Ongoing clinical trials continue to address the role of long term maintenance therapy. Understanding the proper management of these agents is paramount to providing patients disease control and yet minimizing side effects from treatment.