European myeloma experts recently developed guidelines for the appropriate management of side effects associated with novel agent therapy for older multiple myeloma patients. This article, Part 1 in a series, summarizes the guidelines for the management of Velcade-related side effects. Part 2 summarizes the European experts’ guidelines for the management of thalidomide-related side effects, Part 3 summarizes the guidelines for the management of Revlimid-related side effects, and Part 4 summarizes recommendations on novel agent use in specific patient populations.

The novel agents Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide (Thalomid), and

Novel agents, such as Velcade (bortezomib) and Revlimid (lenalidomide), have greatly advanced the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. Indeed, by incorporating novel agents as induction therapy prior to consolidation with high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, we have made huge strides in survival outcomes over the last 10 years.  However, treatment with anti-myeloma agents may be associated with side effects that negatively impact quality of life.

Recently, two advances have been reported resulting in a decrease in peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the …

Most of us with myeloma have probably experienced those days when some drug side effect has ruined an otherwise perfectly good spring day, or summer afternoon.

In the first year of my post-stem cell transplant days, I managed to find myself in the hospital on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day weekends.  How exciting.  On one of those stays, I clearly recall sitting and reading a book by the room’s open window, listening to revelers late in the night having a grand old time as their sounds carried the distance from …

Leading myeloma specialists from across Europe recently published an article in the journal The Oncologist that summarized the current treatment options and availability of therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma patients in Europe. This article, Part 4 in the series, summarizes the European authors’ recommendations for the management of side effects.

The European authors provided recommendations for managing side effects related to novel agent use in myeloma patients. The recommendations are similar to how the side effects are managed in the United States.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are one of the …