Prof Antonio Palumbo of University of Torino, Italy talks to ecancertv at IMW 2013 on treating special population in multiple myeloma (MM) as a significant problem. This group increasing includes the elderly as the population ages. It is therefore important to understand how best to tailor treatment for these patients. Professor Palumbo has been involved in a number of key studies in elderly patients with MM. High risk patients are currently managed in the same way as standard risk patients, with a view to providing the best chance of progression free survival and overall survival in this patient population. In newly diagnosed elderly patients the benefits of carfilzomib have been investigated. In addition, lenalidomide has been tested in these patients. Relapsed or refractory patients can be a particular challenge in the clinical setting. Pomalidomide is a new therapy that is currently been investigated in this difficult to treat population.

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