Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and affects multiple organs and systems, such as bones, kidneys, blood and immune system. It is the 17th most common cancer in the UK. Treatment for this type of cancer includes chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplant. The cancer causes destruction of the bones, mainly the spine, pelvis or rib cage, which leads to significant pain and an increase in the risk of fractures. Multiple myeloma occurs mainly in older adults, with its peak between 85 to 89 years of age.Denosumab is a novel drug used for the treatment of osteoporosis, prevention of skeletal-related events due to bone metastases, and giant cell tumour of the bone. It is also under development for rheumatoid arthritis, and prevention of bone metastases in breast cancer. Early results suggest the use of denosumab for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma has the potential to be effective without some of the side-effects associated with other treatment options.
Denosumab for the prevention of skeletal related events in patients with multiple myeloma – first line
