4 Powerful Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options

Reviewed medically by Archana Sharma, DO

Several therapeutic approaches are available for multiple conditions. myeloma . Because this illness differs from individual to individual, the kind of treatment you get is influenced by elements like your age, overall wellness, and the progression of the condition.

Jump to Key Takeaways .

1. Drug Therapy

Many individuals diagnosed with multiple myeloma start their medical care with systemic medication treatments (medications that circulate throughout the body via the blood). This initial approach is commonly referred to as " induction therapy" and typically consists of using a mix of three or four medications over the course of three to four sessions. Every session spans approximately three to four weeks. These medicines can be delivered either orally or through injection.

Numerous medication pairings are utilized in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Commonly employed drugs include:

Proteasome inhibitors block proteasomes (enzymatic structures) from breaking down proteins that regulate cell growth). These include Velcade ( bortezomib ), Kyprolis ( carfilzomib ), and Ninlaro ( ixazomib ).
Immunomodulatory drugs use your immune system to address multiple myeloma. These include Revlimid ( lenalidomide ) and Pomalyst ( pomalidomide ).
Monoclonal antibodies use antibody-based immunotherapy in precision medicine treatments. These include Empliciti ( elotuzumab ), Darzalex ( daratumumab ), and Sarclisa ( isatuximab-irfc ).
Ankylating agents deliver DNA -damaging chemotherapy drugs. These include Alkeran ( melphalan ), Cytoxan ( cyclophosphamide ), Doxil ( liposomonal doxorubicin ), and Evomela ( melphalan hydrochloride).
A selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) prevents proteins from the cell nucleus from moving to other areas of the cancer cell. This includes Xpovio ( selinexor ).
Modified antigen receptor (MAR) T-cell treatment reprograms white blood cells to eliminate cancer cells. These include Abecarma ( idecabtagene vicleucel ) and Carvykti ( ciltacabtagene autoleucel )
Corticosteroids combat multiple myeloma and minimize adverse effects from chemotherapy. This includes medications such as Dexamethasone and Prednisone.
Bispecific antibodies Utilize antibody-driven immunotherapy to guide immune cells to target cancer cells. This includes Talvey ( talquetamab ), Tecvayli ( teclistamab -cqyv), and Elrexfio ( elranatamab ).

2. Stem Cell Transplants

Although it may not be suitable for all individuals, a stem cell transplant can frequently offer a strong opportunity for a sustained reaction among individuals eligible for this therapy. An autologous Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the most frequently used form of stem cell therapy for multiple myeloma. The process includes the following stages:

Induction therapy: This therapy is used to eliminate as many malignant cells as feasible.
Collection of stem cells Following multiple months of induction treatment, viable stem cells are extracted from your blood circulation.
Frontline ASCT or preservation of stem cells In front-line ACST, stem cells are returned to your bloodstream through a procedure comparable to a blood transfusion. Nevertheless, if you are showing a positive response to treatment, the collected stem cells might be cryopreserved for future use.
High-dose chemotherapy: This therapy is used to eliminate myeloma cells, but it can also harm normal blood-producing stem cells in the process.

3. Maintenance Therapy

Maintenance treatment assists in managing multiple myeloma after an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). It is also administered once eight to twelve rounds of initial intravenous therapy have been completed without undergoing ASCT. Lenalidomide remains the recommended approach for maintenance treatment. Patients with high-risk multiple myeloma might receive a mix of bortezomib and lenalidomide.

Following the first round of treatment, routine check-ups to track your blood levels, bone condition, and general well-being are usually recommended. Ongoing therapy continues until a recurrence happens. Although a return of multiple myeloma is considered unavoidable, the time frame and intensity can differ significantly. The available treatments depend on how you responded to the original treatment strategy and the specific features of the recurrence.

4. Supportive Care

Multiple myeloma presents difficulties that may affect your overall well-being. Your medical care providers offer various forms of assistance to aid in handling typical symptoms and adverse reactions associated with this condition and its treatment. Such approaches might involve:

Radiation therapy : At lower levels, localized radiation treatment may ease bone discomfort and pressure on the spine. At greater amounts, it can be used to address tumors in bones or soft tissues.
Bone strengthening treatments Bone-building medications like Zometa (zoledronic acid), Aredia ( pamidronate ), and Xgeva ( denosumab ) and operations can assist in preventing and correcting bone damage.
Medication for pain and rehabilitative exercises Drugs to relieve discomfort and therapeutic workouts Pain relief treatments and movement rehabilitation Analgesics combined with physiotherapy Treatments for soreness and exercise-based recovery Medications used to manage pain along with therapy sessions Pain management drugs and physical treatment methods Pharmaceuticals for pain control and physical rehabilitation These therapies can assist you in staying at ease and maintaining your regular routines.
Blood thinning therapies Anticoagulants and compression socks may help stop blood clots caused by cancer therapy.
Antibiotics and vaccines These therapies lower the chances and issues related to infections.

Treatment Goals

Reduce the level of abnormal M-protein antibodies (monoclonal proteins) or the quantity of light chains (short protein segments within an antibody)
Remove myeloma cells from your bone marrow (the soft, sponge-like material found inside your bones)
Manage the illness at the minimum achievable extent to avoid harm to bones and internal organs
Enhance well-being while minimizing adverse reactions Boost daily living with few negative impacts Promote better health outcomes without significant drawbacks Support improved lifestyle with limited unwanted consequences Facilitate a healthier existence through low-risk methods Encourage enhanced vitality with minimal harmful effects Achieve greater comfort and wellness using safe approaches Optimize life quality with reduced potential for harm Foster overall improvement with little risk involved Strengthen everyday experiences through effective and gentle solutions
Encourage the maximum duration of remission (a time when there are no indications of ongoing illness or symptoms that affect normal everyday functioning)
Lengthen overall survival

Key Takeaways

The aim of treating multiple myeloma is to reduce or halt the progression of the disease, ease discomfort, and extend life expectancy.
Multiple myeloma treatment varies depending on how severe the condition is and takes into account elements such as age, overall health, possible risks, and individual situations.
Treatments incorporating support services may enhance your general well-being and assist you in sustaining a regular way of life for an extended period.

Read the original story online at Verywell Health