Antagonists of .alpha.4 integrin/.alpha.4 integrin ligand adhesion, which inhibit the biological effects of such adhesion are described and methods for their use are detailed. Such antagonists are useful in suppressing bone destruction associated with multiple myeloma. The homing of multiple myeloma cells to bone marrow and their .alpha.4 integrin-dependent release of bone-resorbing factors, resulting in bone destruction in patients with multiple myeloma, is inhibited.