Dr. Berenson Discusses New Potential Targets in Myeloma

James R. Berenson, MD, Medical and Scientific Director, Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Chief Executive Officer, Oncotherapeutics, comments on new potential targets in myeloma.

Berenson says that data is being collected on the potential use of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in myeloma.

In the case of HDAC inhibitors, they have shown activity in the laboratory, Berenson says, but in the clinic, patients do not respond well. Researchers have tried more specific products in this space but it remains to be seen if they will be more active.

The antibody therapies anti-CS1 elotuzumab and anti-CD138 are also being investigated but many questions exist regarding activity.