Induction therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma have evolved significantly over the past 10 years. Although response rates after induction for older or younger patients were limited, with few patients achieving complete remission, more recent combinations have cleared the way for major response and even complete remissions after induction therapy. As a consequence of these changes, patients are now achieving more durable and longer remissions, which have ultimately improved overall survival for patients with myeloma. The age-appropriate use of induction therapy, autologous transplant, and maintenance therapy, all keeping in mind the specific genetic risk group of a given patient, requires a long-term treatment plan for each patient defined early in the treatment course.