A look backward and forward in the regulatory and treatment history of multiple myeloma: Approval of novel-novel agents, new drug development, and longer patient survival

The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor diseases. These advances include gains in knowledge of the underlying pathobiology including molecular and cellular prognostic factors for disease progression. In parallel we have witnessed the availability of novel therapeutics. Together these advances have translated into improvements in long-term clinical benefit and survival in MM. Indeed, it has been shown that patients diagnosed in the last decade have experienced almost doubling of median survival time. We aim to review and give further insight into drug development and novel drug approvals that have revolutionized the treatment of MM.