Multiple myeloma: Defining the high-risk patient and determining the optimal treatment strategy.

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, with approximately 21,000 new diagnoses each year. The prognosis for MM is variable and depends on several factors. This chapter highlights the clinical and pathological features of multiple myeloma to help define the "high-risk" patient. The authors also review clinical trial data in an effort to delineate the optimal treatment strategy for this group of patients. While more research in this field is needed, the available evidence supports the use of bortezomib as induction therapy and maintenance for high-risk patients with multiple myeloma.