The use of drugs such as bortezomib, lenalidomide and thalidomide has dramatically increased the response rate in multiple myeloma (MM) patients and has led some to question the continued role of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Prof Mario Boccadoro talks about a Phase III study comparing the use of conventional chemotherapy plus novel agents (MPR) with tandem high-dose melphalan and ASCT in newly diagnosed MM patients and considers what role novel agents should play in the treatment of MM. Prof Boccadoro outlines research showing that aspirin is a more effective prophylactic treatment than enoxaparin (low weight heparin) to reduce rates of thrombosis in MM patients treated with thalidomide or lenalidomide and considers the role of maintenance therapy.

This programme has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Janssen Pharmaceutica (A Johnson & Johnson Company).