Synopsis of a roundtable on validating novel therapeutics for multiple myeloma

Purpose: With the identification of new molecular targets and pathways, many new therapeutic approaches are being identified for potential application in the treatment of multiple myeloma. New chemical compounds and biologics have been developed against molecular targets with substantial scientific evidence that these targets are involved in myeloma development, progression, or relapse. To safely and rapidly bring these advances to bear on the disease, new preclinical models in cells and animals need to be established, as well as prioritization and standardization in current preclinical and clinical validation. An experts' roundtable was convened in November 2005 to discuss shortcomings in current preclinical models and discuss what models are needed to best validate therapeutics and combinations of therapies for multiple myeloma. Conclusions: This exciting event brought together experts in compound validation, preclinical development, and experts in multiple myeloma from academic institutions and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The goals were to evaluate an algorithm for therapeutic validation and discuss in vitro modeling for target discovery, animal models for preclinical development, and models for testing drug combinations.