[Treatment of multiple myeloma].

Multiple myeloma comprises widely varying clinical varieties of a more or less evolutive character. Establishment of an effective therapeutic plan requires inter alia an analytical study of tumor mass (stages) and cytokinetics. Thus, "indolent", "slow" or "aggressive" myelomas have been reported. 19 consecutive symptomatic patients (12 with stage II, 6 with stage III) have been treated, with overall 5-year survival of 42%. In the light of these observations and the recent literature it appears essential to adopt a flexible therapeutic approach which allows a rapid switch from simple chemotherapy to heavy polychemotherapy when necessary, or postponement of treatment or halting of chemotherapy under selected conditions.