SIE, SIES, GITMO evidence-based guidelines on novel agents (thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide) in the treatment of multiple myeloma

In this project, we produced drug-specific recommendations targeting the use of new agents for multiple myeloma (MM). We used the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system which separates the judgments on quality of evidence from the judgment about strength of recommendations. We recommended thalidomide and bortezomib in MM patients candidates to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (weak positive). We did not recommend novel agents as maintenance therapy after ASCT (weak negative). In patients not candidate to ASCT, thalidomide or bortezomib (strong positive) associated with melphalan and prednisone were recommended. In these patients, no specific course of action could be recommended as for maintenance therapy. In patients who are refractory or relapsing after first-line therapy, we recommended bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or lenalidomide and dexamethasone combinations (weak positive).