Medication
Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma, by Stage
- Solitary plasmacytomas. These are often treated with radiation therapy. ...
- Smoldering multiple myeloma. Smoldering myeloma patients can do well for years without treatment. ...
- Active (symptomatic) myeloma. Patients with active myeloma or light chain amyloidosis are often given a combination of 2 or 3 drugs.
Procedures
- Prior autologous stem cell transplantation. Autologous stem cell transplantation remains a mainstay for patients who elect to defer transplantation 1 as initial therapy. ...
- Prior therapies. ...
- Aggressiveness of relapse—that is, biochemical versus clinical relapse. ...
- Comorbidities. ...
- Psychosocial issues and access to care. ...
Therapy
- Functional cure is when a patient is in a prolonged remission, but a small amount of myeloma is known to be left, based upon follow-up testing. ...
- Normal relative survival is another way to consider cure. ...
- True cure is the goal and the most difficult to confirm for sure. ...
Nutrition
“[The granting of orphan drug designation] to CT103A is of great significance to patients with multiple myeloma and represents the FDA ... neurotoxicity syndrome that resolved without treatment. The FDA Office of Orphan Products Development grants ...
What doctor treats multiple myeloma?
When to treat multiple myeloma?
How to cure multiple myeloma?
How treatable is multiple myeloma?
How does myeloma treatment work?
Chemotherapy for myeloma Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy myeloma cells. The drugs circulate around the body in the bloodstream. The most common types of chemotherapy drugs you might have for myeloma include: cyclophosphamide.
What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs kill fast-growing cells, including myeloma cells. High doses of chemotherapy drugs are used before a bone marrow transplant.
How long does multiple myeloma treatment take?
Treatment with a bone-modifying drug is recommended for up to 2 years. At 2 years, treatment may be stopped if it is working. If the myeloma comes back and new bone problems develop, treatment with a bone-modifying drug is usually started again.
Can multiple myeloma be cured completely?
Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler's disease, is a type of blood cancer. There's no cure, but treatments can slow its spread and sometimes make symptoms go away. A type of white blood cell called a plasma cell makes antibodies that fight infections in your body.
Can you live a normal life with myeloma?
Apart from ongoing monitoring, most myeloma patients are able to live fairly normal lives, with few restrictions on low-impact exercise and other activity.
Can multiple myeloma be cured naturally?
There are no proven special diets to treat multiple myeloma. However, there are specific nutrition strategies that can be used to treat common symptoms, such as kidney damage and anemia, as well as to reduce cancer recurrence.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.
Is multiple myeloma curable 2020?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer for which there is no cure. In 2020, of all patients newly diagnosed with a blood cancer, 18% are expected to be diagnosed with this type of blood cancer. Depending on the stage, the average survival rate is five to seven years.
What is the newest treatment for multiple myeloma?
The latest approval is for the combination of daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fijh (Darzalex Faspro) plus carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior treatments.
Is myeloma a death sentence?
Today, a multiple myeloma diagnosis is no longer a death sentence because our community's efforts have helped bring 11 new drugs through FDA-approval.
What is the main cause of multiple myeloma?
It's not clear what causes myeloma. Doctors know that myeloma begins with one abnormal plasma cell in your bone marrow — the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills in the center of most of your bones. The abnormal cell multiplies rapidly.
How fast does multiple myeloma progress?
How quickly multiple myeloma progresses can vary between people. An older 2007 study of 276 people found that there was a 10% risk of progression in people with early multiple myeloma per year for the first 5 years of illness.
Who treats multiple myeloma?
Based on your treatment options, you might have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include:
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment. Although some of these methods might be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many have not been proven to work.
Why do we do clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures . Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.
Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?
Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.
What is local therapy?
Some treatments are called local therapies. This means they treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body. These treatments are more likely to be useful for earlier stage (less advanced) cancers, although they might also be used in some other situations.
How to learn more about clinical trials?
If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.
Can you continue cancer treatment?
Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
How to treat multiple myeloma?
The goal of multiple myeloma treatment is to shrink your tumors, stop the cancer from spreading, keep your bones strong, and help you feel better and live longer . To do this, you might get medication, a stem cell transplant, radiation, a type of blood filtering called plasmapheresis, and surgery. The treatment plan that you ...
How does myeloma affect blood?
Myeloma damages your bone marrow where cells, called stem cells, make new blood. A stem cell transplant can help your body make new, healthy blood cells. You can get new stem cells from a healthy donor. In the standard treatment, your doctor collects some of your own stem cells from your blood and gives them back to you.
How do medications prevent cancer cells from growing?
These medications prevent cancer cells from growing. They do this by stopping enzymes in cells called proteasomes from attacking proteins that control cell growth. They include:
What is car T cell therapy?
CAR T-Cell Therapy. This treatment is not approved for multiple myeloma yet, but it is being tested to see how safe it is and how well it works. CAR T stands for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Doctors take some of your blood and remove the T cells, which are considered workhorses of your immune system.
Can stem cells help with myeloma?
Using your own stem cells for a transplant can make myeloma go away for a while, sometimes several years, but it won't cure the disease.
Can smoldering myeloma cause symptoms?
Smoldering myeloma: You're diagnosed with myeloma, but it isn't yet causing symptoms.
Can plasma help with myeloma?
This is a way to remove myeloma protein from the liquid part of your blood, called plasma. It won' t get rid of your disease, but it may relieve your symptoms for a short time. You'll probably also get chemotherapy or treatment with another drug at the same time.
Why is it important to see a treatment center for multiple myeloma?
Because treatment for multiple myeloma is evolving quickly, it is important to be seen at — or to consult with — a treatment center like ours that has cared for many patients with this kind of cancer. Many of the most advanced multiple myeloma therapies were developed by research scientists in our own laboratories.
What is the induction phase of treatment for multiple myeloma?
Most people with multiple myeloma receive a combination of three drugs that includes an immunomodulatory drug (IMID), such as lenalidomide; a proteasome inhibitor such as bortezomib; and a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone.
How long does it take to get lenalidomide after a stem cell transplant?
After a stem cell transplant. People who undergo stem cell transplantation typically start maintenance therapy three to four months after the transplant. In our practice, lenalidomide is usually given once a day for three weeks followed by a week off, or daily continuously.
How long does it take for a chemo to be administered?
Induction chemotherapy is typically administered over a period of four to eight months, and is followed by either treatment intensification with autologous stem cell transplantation or maintenance therapy.
Why do specialists come together?
Experts from every specialty come together each week to evaluate each case and to verify that each patient is getting the optimal care. These specialists review your care plan to reach a consensus recommendation, which we share with you. Your team works to ensure that your care plan offers the best possible outcomes, and that all your needs are met.
Is there value in patients with suspected or diagnosed multiple myeloma receiving a second opinion?
We believe there is value in patients with suspected or diagnosed multiple myeloma receiving a second opinion.
When does maintenance therapy start?
For people who do not undergo stem cell transplantation, maintenance therapy typically starts immediately after the induction phase of therapy.
What is targeted therapy for multiple myeloma?
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs that specifically target proteins that are present on or in cancer cells. In this way, they’re less harmful to healthy cells than chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What type of antibody is used to kill multiple myeloma?
There are several different types of targeted therapy that can be used for multiple myeloma: Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies attach to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. This can either kill them or prevent them from growing. They can also be used to carry drugs directly to cancer cells.
What is immunotherapy used for?
Immunotherapy is used for: induction therapy and maintenance therapy in those receiving a stem cell transplant. treatment of individuals that aren’t eligible for a stem cell transplant. multiple myeloma that’s relapsed or has been resistant to other treatments.
What is ixazomib used for?
ixazomib ( Ninlaro) Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors: HDAC inhibitors block enzymes that are vital for the growth and division of cancer cells. An example of an HDAC inhibitor for multiple myeloma is panobinostat (Farydak).
What is car T cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy: In this treatment, T cells are removed from your body and are modified in a laboratory to be able to target cancer cells. They’re then placed back into your body, where they can identify and destroy cancer cells. Idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma) is the type of CAR T-cell therapy used for multiple myeloma.
When was the last time multiple myeloma was reviewed?
During this time, they’ll discuss your treatment options, their benefits, and their potential side effects. Last medically reviewed on June 24, 2021.
Can corticosteroids be used for stem cell transplant?
Corticosteroids are used in both those that can receive a stem cell transplant and those that cannot. They’re typically used in combination with other multiple myeloma treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
What is the best treatment for myeloma?
Patients with active myeloma or light chain amyloidosis are often given a combination of 2 or 3 drugs. The drugs chosen depend on the patient’s health (including their kidney function) and whether a stem cell transplant is planned. Often, a combination containing bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone is used.
What is the treatment for bone disease?
Treatment for bone disease (bisphosphonates) is often started along with chemo. If the areas of damaged bone continue to cause symptoms, radiation therapy may be used. Patients with multiple myeloma also receive supportive treatments, such as transfusions to treat low blood cell counts, and antibiotics and sometimes intravenous immunoglobulin ...
Can Bortezomib be used for multiple myeloma?
Combinations containing bortezomib are especially helpful in patients with kidney problems and those whose myeloma cells contain certain high-risk chromosome abnormalities. Many other combinations may be considered as well. For more on these drugs and some of the more common combinations used, see Drug Therapy for Multiple Myeloma. ...
Can lenalidomide be used for myeloma?
This is known as maintenance treatment, and helps delay the return of the myeloma, but it can cause serious side effects. Many drugs and drug combinations can be useful in treating myeloma.
Can a plasma cell tumor be removed?
If the plasma cell tumor is not in a bone, it may be removed with surgery. Chemotherapy (chemo) is only used if multiple myeloma develops.
Is stem cell transplant part of treatment?
A stem cell transplant may be part of treatment. Options for stem cell transplant are discussed in Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma. Some patients are given additional cycles of treatment after transplant. This is called consolidation treatment and increases the chance of a complete response ...
Can multiple myeloma progress to active myeloma?
Based on how abnormal the plasma cells look under the microscope and the levels of immunoglobulins, some patients with smoldering multiple myeloma have a high risk of progressing to active myeloma. In one study, treating these patients with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone before they developed symptoms or problems helped them live longer.
What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?
Steroids. Steroids are an essential treatment for all stages of multiple myeloma. At high doses, steroids can kill cancer cells. They can also stop white blood cells from going to the disease-affected areas, thereby decreasing inflammation and relieving pain and pressure.
How does radiation therapy help multiple myeloma?
Radiation therapy uses rays of particles to damage multiple myeloma cells and prevent them from growing. Not only can radiation therapy treat multiple myeloma, but it can also reduce complications from bone disease.
What is the standard of care for multiple myeloma?
The standard of care for those with multiple myeloma involves a combination of high-dose chemotherapy and a bone mar row transplant. Getting a bone marrow transplant often means that an individual remains disease-free for a long time.
What is the purpose of monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies are a form of immunotherapy that uses someone’s immune system to fight the cancer cells by targeting specific proteins . Some monoclonal antibodies target the CD38 protein, while others target the SLAM57 protein. Myeloma cells have both proteins.
What is the role of immunomodulating drugs in cancer?
Immunomodulating drugs regulate certain aspects of the immune system. They can prevent some types of growth signals for cancer cells, activate specific immune cells, and kill myeloma cells.
How many people will have multiple myeloma in 2021?
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States, doctors will diagnose multiple myeloma in 19,320 men and 15,600 women in 2021. Researchers are continually working on new treatments to extend life expectancy for people with this condition. Multiple myeloma treatment has come a long way since the days when chemotherapy was ...
Where are myeloma cells located?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that changes someone’s plasma cells. These specialized cells are typically located in the bone marrow, and they play an essential role in the immune system.
What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?
Hospice care. When multiple myeloma progresses to the point of being terminal, your doctor may recommend hospice care. This care is unique because it treats you, not the disease. The purpose is to enhance your quality of life during this time. Hospice care can occur in a nursing home or in your own home.
What is the procedure for multiple myeloma?
Bone marrow transplant. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer. You may be a candidate for a bone marrow transplant (also known as a stem cell transplant) when other therapies prove ineffective. Bone marrow is a soft tissue inside your bone that creates blood-forming cells. This procedure transplants a donor’s healthy blood-forming cells into your body.
What to do if multiple myeloma stops working?
What to Do If Your Multiple Myeloma Treatment Stops Working. Once your doctor determines the stage of your cancer and comes up with a treatment plan, you may look forward to putting multiple myeloma behind you. There’s no cure for this type of cancer, but remission is achievable. Of course, not everyone responds to every type of treatment.
How long do you stay in the hospital after bone marrow transplant?
You’ll also remain in the hospital for weeks after the transplant. And because there’s the risk of infection, you’ll be confined to a germ-free room until your immune system recovers and strengthens. Your doctor may suggest maintenance therapy after a bone marrow transplant.
How does radiation help cancer?
Radiation uses beams of high energy to shrink malignant cells and stop the growth of cancer. Sometimes doctors recommend a combination of drugs or therapies. Along with a targeted therapy, chemotherapy, a biological therapy, and radiation, you may take a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation in your body.
What to do if cancer doesn't respond to chemotherapy?
But if your cancer doesn’t respond to these drugs or if you relapse, your doctor may decide that it’s time to add on a therapy. They may also opt to try a completely different therapy, such as biological therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation. Biological therapy uses your immune system to fight cancer cells.
Can you live with multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma can be unpredictable, but don’t let a relapse or a nonresponse to therapy discourage you. There isn’t a cure for this type of cancer, but it’s possible to live long term with the disease. Talk to your doctor and discuss your options and, if necessary, get a second opinion.
Diagnosis
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