SKELETAL TARGETED RADIOTHERAPY (STRTM): A POTENTIAL TREATMENT MODALITY FOR MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Abstract

The treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy, depends on whether the patient is experiencing symptoms and the patient’s overall health. The goals of treatment are to eliminate myeloma cells, control tumour growth, control pain, and allow patients to have an active life. While there is no cure for MM, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years. In recent years, targeted treatments, sometimes called novel therapies, have proven to be increasingly successful in controlling the myeloma and improving prognosis. The primary objective of the targeted therapy approaches is to alleviate the debilitating pain commonly associated with osteolytic bone lesions. This article discusses the treatment modalities and clinical phase trials of Skeletal Targeted Radiotherapy (STRTM) for plasma cell malignancies. The efficacy of a radiotherapeutic agent or a radiopharmaceutical intended for the treatment of bone metastases is particularly dependent on the targeted delivery of the radiation dose to the tumour microenvironment and on the extent to which suppression of bone marrow or other critical organs can be avoided.