Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment of multiple myeloma

by Una Von PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

7 rows · In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, treatment with VD results in response rates of ...

Procedures

Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Disorders Solitary plasmacytomas These are often treated with radiation therapy. 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. Smoldering multiple myeloma

Therapy

The Latest Standard of Care for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients The combination of a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent plus the steroid dexamethasone is the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients. Autologous stem cell transplant should be considered early in all transplant-eligible patients.

Nutrition

Jul 11, 2016 · Recent therapeutic advances have made the treatment of multiple myeloma both more complex and more costly. In particular, the median survival of patients with multiple myeloma has been markedly prolonged through the use of targeted drugs such as proteasome inhibitors and immune modulators.

How to live longer with multiple myeloma?

The main types of drug therapies used to treat multiple myeloma are proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), steroids, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, antibodies and chemotherapy. Each works in a different way, but with the common goal of controlling and destroying multiple myeloma cells.

What to do if your multiple myeloma treatment stops working?

Sep 08, 2021 · Management of multiple myeloma includes immediate treatment with myeloma drugs, bisphosphonates for patients with bone loss and options for clinical trials. Non-intensive treatment is more common and typically used on older or more frail patients.

How to cure multiple myeloma?

Apr 09, 2020 · Treatments for multiple myeloma include: Immunomodulatory drugs Also known as biological therapies, these medicines are designed to help turn your body’s immune system into a cancer-fighting tool....

Can anything help multiple myeloma?

This web site provided a listing of survival rates of Multiple Myeloma Specialists. You will find you are between 1.9 and 5.7 times more likely to die... Share

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What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?

Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy particles or rays to damage cancer cells and prevent them from growing, is proven to effectively treat multiple myeloma in specific situations and/or reduce complications from bone disease. Radiation therapy may also be called radiotherapy, X-ray therapy, or irradiation.

What is the latest treatment for multiple myeloma?

Rye Brook, N.Y., December 1, 2021 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted the seventh approval to daratumumab for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This injectable antibody is approved alone or in combination with other drugs at different states of multiple myeloma treatment.Dec 1, 2021

Is multiple myeloma is curable?

Treatment for multiple myeloma can often help control symptoms and improve quality of life. But myeloma usually can't be cured, which means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back.

Can multiple myeloma be treated without chemo?

Smoldering multiple myeloma Smoldering myeloma patients can do well for years without treatment. For many patients, starting treatment early does not seem to help them live longer. These patients are watched closely without starting chemo or other treatments for myeloma.Mar 1, 2022

What is first line treatment for multiple myeloma?

The combination of a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent plus the steroid dexamethasone is the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients. Autologous stem cell transplant should be considered early in all transplant-eligible patients.

Which hospital is best for multiple myeloma?

Nationally recognized expertise Mayo Clinic is recognized as a multiple myeloma Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), funded by the National Cancer Institute.Jun 16, 2021

Is multiple myeloma curable 2021?

While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years.

What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include: Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest. Nausea.Jun 16, 2021

Can you live a normal life with myeloma?

While multiple myeloma doesn't yet have a cure and can be fatal, patients' life expectancies vary widely, according to Jens Hillengass, MD, Chief of Myeloma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I have seen patients live from several weeks to more than 20 years after being diagnosed,” Dr. Hillengass says.Mar 26, 2021

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.Sep 13, 2019

Is multiple myeloma painful?

Multiple myeloma can cause pain in affected bones – usually the back, ribs or hips. The pain is frequently a persistent dull ache, which may be made worse by movement.

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 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.

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. ...

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 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.

What is the abnormal protein in myeloma?

Another abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells — called beta-2-microglobulin — may be detected in your blood and give your doctor clues about the aggressiveness of your myeloma. Additionally, blood tests to examine your kidney function, blood cell counts, ...

How to cope with cancer?

Coping and support. A cancer diagnosis can be shocking and devastating. With time, you'll find ways to cope with the stress and uncertainty of living with cancer. Until you find what works best for you, consider trying to: Learn enough to make decisions about your care. Learn enough about multiple myeloma so that you're able to participate in ...

Can multiple myeloma be diagnosed?

Sometimes multiple myeloma is diagnosed when your doctor detects it accidentally during a blood test for some other condition. It can also be diagnosed if your doctor suspects you could have multiple myeloma based on your signs and symptoms.

What stage of myeloma is the most aggressive?

Stage I indicates a less aggressive disease, and stage III indicates the most aggressive disease. Your multiple myeloma may also be assigned a risk category, ...

How to cope with myeloma?

Start with the National Cancer Institute and the International Myeloma Foundation. Maintain a strong support system. Having a strong support system can help you cope with issues and anxieties that might occur. Your friends and family may be willing to offer support.

Can you get treatment for multiple myeloma?

If you have multiple myeloma but aren't experiencing any symptoms (also known as smoldering multiple myeloma), you might not need treatment right away. Immediate treatment may not be necessary for multiple myeloma that is slow growing and at an early stage.

What is the best treatment for myeloma?

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid medications regulate the immune system to control inflammation in the body. They are also active against myeloma cells. Bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, is a procedure to replace your diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

What are the best treatments for myeloma?

What Are Your First-Line Treatment Options for Active Myeloma? 1 effectively control the disease 2 reverse myeloma-related complications 3 decrease the risk of early mortality 4 be well tolerated with minimal or manageable toxicity, and 5 not interfere with the need for stem cell collection.

What is frontline therapy for multiple myeloma?

Ideally, your frontline therapy (also called induction or first-line therapy ) should. effectively control the disease. reverse myeloma-related complications. decrease the risk of early mortality.

What is the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients?

The combination of a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent plus the steroid dexamethasone is the standard of care for newly diagnosed patients. Autologous stem cell transplant should be considered early in all transplant-eligible patients.

What are the best drugs for multiple myeloma?

The main types of drug therapies used to treat multiple myeloma are proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), steroids, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, antibodies and chemotherapy. Each works in a different way, but with the common goal of controlling and destroying multiple myeloma cells.

How do steroids help with multiple myeloma?

Steroids are a staple of multiple myeloma treatment and are used at all stages of the disease. In high doses, steroids can kill multiple myeloma cells. They can also decrease inflammation by stopping white blood cells from flowing to the disease-affected areas, helping relieve pain and pressure.

Who is Steve Shak?

has served as the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Genomic Health since 2012, and was the Chief Medical Officer from 2000 – 2013. Under Steve’s leadership Genomic Health used innovative molecular diagnostic methods and rigorous clinical studies to develop the Oncotype DX® breast cancer and colon cancer assays and has maintained an 80% product development success rate. Steve has been a leader in personalized medicine for more than two decades.

Do steroids affect the immune system?

Over time, steroids may suppress the immune system and weaken bones. These side effects usually go away after patients stop taking these drugs.

What is the purpose of proteasome inhibitors?

Proteasome inhibitors are a staple of multiple myeloma treatment and are used throughout all stages of disease. Proteasomes are protein complexes that help cells — including cancer cells — dispose of old proteins so they can be replaced by newer versions.

How does Jessie take control of her life?

Jessie is determined to not let her diagnosis define her and dominate her life; therefore, she has taken control of the situation by continuing her research and education on her diagnosis and learning the importance of practicing self-awareness and self-advocacy for her own health. She has become dedicated in her efforts to incorporate being health-conscious in her lifestyle. Prior to her diagnosis, Jessie’s sense of self was connected to her career. Now, she's revisiting this and learning how to reinvent herself and the lifestyle she plans to lead.

Who is Mindy Flinn?

Mindy Flinn joined the MMRF in May 2020 as the Vice President of Development where she works with a talented team raising philanthropic support for the organization. She brings over 23 years of development experience to this position. Ms. Flinn spent over a decade in development at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and in Jacksonville, FL, where she oversaw the stewardship of top-level benefactors and served as a major gift officer. She also worked for the LIVESTRONG Foundation in Austin, TX as a major gift officer and was Director of Philanthropic Resources at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Prior to joining the MMRF, she was Senior Director of Development at Yale School of Medicine. Ms. Flinn received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bethel University and a Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. Her additional accomplishments include successfully climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012 as a member of Survivor Summit and skydiving.

What is the rarest type of cancer?

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell in the body. In a healthy body, plasma cells are responsible for recognizing and fighting off invading germs and infections. In people diagnosed with multiple myeloma , cancer cells eventually overtake the healthy plasma cells.

Does multiple myeloma need immediate treatment?

Early stages of the cancer may not need immediate treatment. Treatment for stage 3 multiple myeloma aims to reduce the discomfort caused by the cancer. Treatment can also help stabilize the cancer and slow the progress of its growth.

What is the terminal stage of multiple myeloma?

advanced bone damage. moderate to severe anemia. When you’re diagnosed with multiple myeloma, your doctor will want to determine how advanced the cancer is. Multiple myeloma is classified by stage 1, 2, or 3. In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage.

Is there a cure for multiple myeloma?

A cure for multiple myeloma currently doesn’t exist. However, significant research is making progressive leaps toward a treatment that eliminates the cancer entirely. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several new types of treatments in recent years. Today’s treatments are getting closer to a cure.

What is targeted therapy for multiple myeloma?

These medicines are a part of a treatment called targeted therapy. They hone in on specific abnormalities in the multiple myeloma cancer cells that allow the cancer to survive and prevent them from growing and thriving. This causes the myeloma cells to eventually die.

Can multiple myeloma cause kidney damage?

Kidney function: Multiple myeloma cancer cells will eventually cause damage to your kidneys. Your outlook will be worse if your kidneys were unhealthy prior to your diagnosis or if the cancer made a larger impact on them. Genes: Certain chromosome changes or abnormalities may predict a poorer outcome.

What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?

Chemotherapy. A standard cancer treatment, chemotherapy seeks out and destroys the cancer cells in your body. Chemotherapeutic agents that specifically treat multiple myeloma include doxorubicin hydrochloride (Doxil, Adriamycin) and alkylating agents.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment includes medication, radiotherapy, or bone marrow transplant.
Medication

Chemotherapy: To kill rapidly multiplying cells; is non-specific and can also kill healthy fast-growing cells.

Vincristine . Doxorubicin


Targeted therapy: Destroys cancer cells only.

Bortezomib . Carfilzomib


Corticosteroids: To control inflammation in the body.

Prednisone . Dexamethasone

Procedures

Bone marrow transplantation: To replace the bone marrow with a healthy one.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:Given to quickly shrink the cancerous cells or tumor. High energy beams X-ray or protons are used for the therapy.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is recommended for persons with multiple myeloma.

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in fiber: such as whole grains, vegetable and fruits such as apples, pears and figs, to prevent constipation
  • Foods rich in fibre: such as whole grains, vegetable and fruits such as apples, pears and figs, to prevent constipation
  • Foods rich in iron such as legumes, lean meats, and dark, leafy greens

Foods to avoid:

Patients of multiple myeloma are more prone to infections and should avoid:

  • Uncooked meat
  • Unwashed vegetables and fruits
  • Unpasteurized drinks

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Hematologist
Specializes in the study of the blood and blood disorders.

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • If you're experiencing symptoms, treatment can help relieve pain, control complications of the disease, stabilize your condition and slow the progress of multiple myeloma.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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