Initial Therapy in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma affects adults of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of older persons. The highest burden of myeloma-related deaths occurs among persons between 65 and 84 years of age.1 As is the case with other types of cancer, the management of multiple myeloma in older patients is often challenging owing to impaired organ function and coexisting frailty, both of which increase the risk of chemotherapy-related toxic effects and often lead to a reduction in the intensity of chemotherapy.2 These epidemiologic and biologic considerations have motivated ongoing efforts to expand treatment options and improve overall outcomes in this . . .