What is the Treatment for Multiple Myeloma?
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell important for fighting infections. Although myeloma is a serious disease, there are many treatment options available. Each treatment works in different ways to help control the cancer and improve a person’s quality of life. So, what is the treatment for multiple myeloma? Let's look at common treatment options you can ask your doctor about.
10 Treatments for Multiple Myeloma
1. Proteasome Inhibitors
Proteasome inhibitors are drugs that block the activity of proteasomes. Proteasomes are tiny structures in cells that break down proteins. When cancer cells cannot remove damaged proteins, they become weak and eventually die. Drugs like Kyprolis (carfilzomib) fall into this group. These medicines are often given through an injection or an IV and are an important part of many myeloma treatment plans.
2. Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that can find and attach to specific targets on myeloma cells. These targets are unique markers found on the surface of cancer cells. Once attached, monoclonal antibodies can call in the body’s natural defense system to help destroy the cancer cells. Sarclisa (Isatuximab) is one common example. This type of therapy is usually given through an infusion and can help slow down the progress of myeloma.
3. Immunomodulatory Drugs
Immunomodulatory drugs, sometimes called IMiDs, help the body’s immune system work better against myeloma cells. These drugs also help direct attention to the cancer by changing the environment around the cells. Pomalyst (Pomalidomide) is an example of an immunomodulatory drug. They are usually given orally and might be used in combination with other treatments to get the best results.
4. Bispecific Antibodies
Bispecific antibodies, like Tecvayli (teclistamab), are a newer kind of treatment. They are designed with two different arms. One arm connects to a specific marker on the myeloma cell, while the other arm connects to immune cells. This connection helps bring immune cells close to cancer cells so the immune system can attack them more effectively. Because they target two different sites at once, bispecific antibodies are a promising option in fighting myeloma.
5. CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy is a special type of treatment that uses the patient’s own immune cells. First, doctors remove T-cells (a kind of immune cell) from the patient’s blood. In a laboratory, these cells are changed so they can better recognize and attack myeloma cells. Once the cells are ready, they are put back into the patient’s body. This therapy can give a strong response, but it is usually used when other treatments have not worked as well.
6. Xpovio
Xpovio (Selinexor) is an oral drug used to treat myeloma. It works by blocking a protein called exportin 1. When exportin 1 is blocked, cancer cells are not able to get rid of important tumor-fighting signals. This disruption makes the cancer cells weaker and helps slow down the disease. Xpovio is often given with other medicines to create a stronger treatment plan.
7. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, much like X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is often used to help relieve pain or to treat a specific area where the myeloma has caused problems, such as weakened bones. Radiation therapy is not always used to treat the entire body and is more focused on a particular spot. The treatment is usually given in several sessions and can be combined with other therapies.
8. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill fast-growing cells, including myeloma cells. These drugs can be given through an injection, an IV or taken by mouth. Chemotherapy works by stopping the cancer cells from growing and dividing. It is a common treatment for many types of cancer, including myeloma. However, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells, which is why it may cause side effects like tiredness and nausea.
9. Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant is often used for patients who can handle a stronger treatment plan. In this process, doctors first give high doses of chemotherapy to kill the myeloma cells. This high dose can also damage the bone marrow. To help the body recover, stem cells are collected from the patient or a donor and then returned to the patient through an infusion. This transplant helps rebuild the bone marrow so that it can create healthy blood cells again.
10. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medicines that help reduce swelling and calm the immune system. In myeloma treatment, drugs like dexamethasone are used. These steroids can help reduce inflammation and may also help kill myeloma cells. Corticosteroids are often used together with other treatments like chemotherapy or proteasome inhibitors to boost their effect.
Many treatment options exist for myeloma. With careful planning and a team approach, doctors aim to help patients live longer, healthier lives while managing the challenges of myeloma.
The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet or treatment plan.