Unfortunately, while this form oftherapy has great potential in improving patient outcome, it is associated witha high probability of severe side effects and possibly even early death. Presently, allogeneic transplants are best suited for young myeloma patients whohave suitable donors. Obviously, a great deal of work remains in improving thisform of therapy and patients should be treated in centers by physicians who areexperienced in performing this therapy. Not surprisingly, becausethe major complaint of myeloma patients is bone pain and disabilities related tobone damage, therapies that address bone damage have substantially improvedpatient quality of life. A class of drugs called bisphosphonates has been foundto reduce bone damage and associated complications.
Current investigations are ongoing to find even more effectivebisphosphonates to reduce bone damage.
Another advance in supportive care isthe development of growth factors to improve bone marrow function in myelomapatients. This factor ismost effective in patients who suffer prolonged suppression of white cell countsfollowing chemotherapy treatments. Anemia is also a common complication ofmyeloma. Erythropoietin is the primary factor and new therapy responsible forincreasing red cell counts and improving symptoms related to anemia. Guidelineshave been developed for the optimal use of these factors in myeloma patients.