[Current approaches to supportive care in multiple myeloma].

Myeloma multiplex is a malignant blood disease in which monoclonal expansion of malignant plasma cells occurs, together with hyperproduction of monoclonal protein, as well as impairment of normal haematopoiesis. Specific features of myeloma include bone destruction, renal failure and immunologic deficiency which decreases the overall quality of the patient's life. Thus, prevention and supportive therapy of skeletal disease, anaemia, pain, nausea, infection and hypercalcemia, represent the essential part of therapy in myeloma patients. Improvements achieved in the specific haematological treatment including supportive measures of complications of multiple myeloma, previously defined as incurable malignant disease, results in the improvement of the overall survival and the quality of life of these patients, thus qualifing multiple myeloma into a chronic condition.