Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options

Multiple myeloma treatment options - Multiple options of treatment for myeloma has significantly increased over the last 10 years. New methods for the treatment of multiple myeloma have led to improved survival among patients with myeloma. Even more encouraging is now a lot of promising new treatments. We are not just speeding up the development of the following treatment of multiple myeloma, but, in an effort to customize treatment based on our mapping of the genome of the patient, we are accelerating the development of proper treatment for every patient who needs it urgently.

The Importance of Genomics

One of the researchers working on the field a better understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma. Through genomic studies (studies of the DNA of tumor cells), we learned that in the cells of the myeloma many changes DNA, and they often differ from patient to patient. The ultimate goal of genomic research is to develop personalized therapies based on DNA in the myeloma cells of individual patients. They often differ from patient to patient. There is no one set of defining changes.

See also: Multiple Myeloma Treatment Guidelines

Today we know that the change of a specific DNA marking how aggressive the myeloma is and, in some cases, the test results can help in making treatment decisions or determine eligibility for clinical trials of multiple myeloma.

Treatment options for multiple myeloma in stages: Solitary plasmacytoma: They are often treated with radiation therapy. If the tumor plasma cells are in the bone, it can be removed surgically. Chemotherapy (chemo) is only used in the development of multiple myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options: Early Myeloma

Early myeloma includes smoldering myeloma and stage I disease. Patients with early myeloma can cope for many years without treatment. For many patients, early initiation of treatment, it seems, helps them to live longer. These patients are often watched closely without having chemotherapy or other treatments for myeloma. They can start with bisphosphonate if they have a bone disease.

Based on how abnormal plasma cells look under a microscope and levels of immunoglobulins, some patients with early myeloma have a high risk of progression to active myeloma and require treatment. In one study, treatment of patients with lenalidomide (Revlimid) and dexamethasone before they experience symptoms or problems, helping them live longer.

Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options - Patients whose myeloma is stage II or higher or who have amyloidosis light chain is often prescribed drug therapy. Selected medications depend on the patient's health (including renal function) and whether a transplant. (These drugs are discussed in more detail in the section "Chemotherapy and other drugs for multiple myeloma").

Often used combination containing bortezomib (Velcade), thalidomide or lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Combinations containing bortezomib, especially useful in patients with kidney problems and those whose myeloma cells contain certain chromosomal abnormalities at high risk.

Can be considered other combinations including vincristine, doxorubicin (adriamycin), and dexamethasone (VAD). If the patient is not expected transplantation, chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisone (MP) can be used and can be combined with thalidomide. Bisphosphonate treatment often begins with chemotherapy. If the area of damaged bone continues to cause symptoms, it is possible to use radiation therapy.

Patients with multiple myeloma also receive supportive therapies such as blood transfusion for the treatment of white blood cells and antibiotics, and sometimes intravenous immune globulin (IVG) for infections. Stem cell transplantation may be part of treatment. Options of stem cell transplant are discussed in stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. Some patients undergo more cycles of treatment after transplantation. This is called consolidation and increases the probability of full response (when the symptoms and symptoms of the disease disappear).

Some patients (even those who have not had a stem cell transplant) can be assigned to long-term treatment with thalidomide, lenalidomide or bortezomib. This is known as a supportive treatment and helps delay the return of the myeloma, but it can cause serious side effects. A combination of drugs may be useful in the treatment of myeloma. If the drug stops working (or returns myeloma), others can be judged.