Not surprisingly, because the major complaint of myeloma patients is bone pain and disabilities related to bone damage, therapies that address bone damage have substantially improved patient quality of life. A class of drugs called bisphosphonates has been found to reduce bone damage and associated complications. Current investigations are ongoing to find even more effective bisphosphonates to reduce bone damage. Another advance in supportive care is the development of growth factors to improve bone marrow function in myeloma patients. This factor is most effective in patients who suffer prolonged suppression of white cell counts following chemotherapy treatments.
Anemia is also a common complication of myeloma.
Erythropoietin is the primary factor and new therapy responsible for increasing red cell counts and improving symptoms related to anemia. Guidelines have been developed for the optimal use of these factors in myeloma patients. While advances have been made in the treatment of myeloma, in order to make more substantial progress, new therapeutic approaches must be developed. There is a great deal of excitement and hope in the research community today because of the new understanding regarding the biology of myeloma cells compared to normal cells. This new understanding will provide the basis for new treatment approaches that are more effective and less toxic.