“Translational research” in multiple myeloma – Polish opportunity to accelerate?

Abstract

Although multiple myeloma still remains an incurable disease, the introduction of new drugs like thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide, and recently carfilzomib and pomalidomide (not in the EU) has significantly prolonged life of patients with multiple myeloma. One of the key factors affecting the dramatic improvement in the effectiveness of the therapy is the development of so-called translational research which is defined by intensive laboratory work, mainly based on molecular studies, focused on the extremely fast introduction of this knowledge in clinical practice. The use of modern methods of molecular biology by identifying new therapeutic targets in preclinical studies has allowed the introduction of new particles such as perifosine or elotuzumab for clinical trials, which will probably result in their rapid introduction into everyday clinical practice. “Translational research” is also used in the work on the optimization of treatment with substances already registered as exemplified by studies using GEP and proteomics. Consolidated and consistent actions of hematological centers in Poland, in cooperation with the Polish non-clinical research centers, as well as with foreign institutions, given the large clinical population of patients with multiple myeloma, it is a huge Polish opportunity to develop knowledge about the disease. This will give a chance to people for easier access to modern forms of therapy to ultimately make myeloma from “incurable” to “chronic” disease.