Multiple myeloma: pathogenesis and new approaches to therapy

Abstract

The review represents the current conceptions on the pathogenesis and approaches to therapy of multiple myeloma — a cancer lymphoproliferative disease, which remains incurable up to date. The molecular and cellular basis of pathogenesis of this disease is considered in this review. Information about approaches to therapy of multiple myeloma, allowing to improve life quality and expectancy of patients with this form of pathology is provided. The advantages and failures of pharmaceuticals applied for correc tion of this pathological process are analyzed. The main attention is paid to the consideration of new directions related to the use of monoclonal antibodies. The examples of applied in the therapy of multiple myeloma monoclonal antibodies to specific molecules on the membranes of myeloma cells are given, the mechanisms of their antitumor action are discussed. The importance of the effects of moloclonal antibodies, implemented by enhancing the antitumor potential of endogenous protective host systems, namely through modulation of anti body-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and com plement-dependent cytotoxicity is underlined. The prospects of application of monoclonal antibodies in mono- or combined therapy of multiple myeloma and the need for further research towards development of new drugs based on anti bodies and towards the detailed analysis of mechanisms of their antitumor action are substantiated.