Complications of myeloma therapy.

The advent of new therapies for multiple myeloma brings new hope for patients but also new side effects. Emerging information about the risks of supportive care therapies, including long-term, high-intensity bisphosphonate use and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, is examined. As the number of drugs in the myeloma armamentarium grows, so does the list of possible side effects and interactions. With current progress, not only are there more complications to consider but patients are also living longer and the risk for delayed complications is becoming more relevant. The author provides perspective about the risks for the most active and commonly used single-agent and combination myeloma therapies.