Multiple Myeloma

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma 

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple myeloma treatment differs from patient to patient. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for multiple myeloma may involve the following:  

Stem cell transplantation 

This treatment involves collecting and storing the patient’s healthy stem cells, administering high-dose chemotherapy to eliminate cancerous cells, and then reinfusing the stored stem cells to restore the bone marrow.  

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) 

These drugs, which are given in pill form, regulate the immune system and affect blood supply to myeloma cells, leading to their death. It is used in almost all patients with initial treatment in combination with other drugs, and also by itself as maintenance to keep the cancer away once it is under control. Examples include lenalidomide and pomalidomide.

Proteasome inhibitors 

These medications target the machinery inside cells that break down proteins, causing cancer cells to die. Velcade® and Kyprolis® are common examples that stop myeloma cells from growing and are often used with other treatments. 

Monoclonal antibodies 

Monoclonal antibodies find and attack specific targets on myeloma cells. Darzalex®, for example, targets a specific marker on cancer cells called CD38, and is commonly used in both initial treatment as well as in patients who relapse.  

Expert Multiple Myeloma Care, Close to Home

Multiple myeloma occurs when a normal blood cell in your bone marrow, called a plasma cell, becomes cancerous and multiplies. The new cancerous plasma cells divide quickly and produce abnormal protein(s) that can be measured in the blood. As a result of the increased plasma cells in the bone marrow and protein in the blood, patients can develop kidney failure, elevated levels of calcium, low red blood cells (anemia), and holes in the bone called lytic lesions. At Texas Oncology, we have oncologists with expertise in diagnosing and treating this condition with the most up-to-date therapies available. 

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma 

Treatments for Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple myeloma treatment differs from patient to patient. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for multiple myeloma may involve the following:  

Stem cell transplantation 

This treatment involves collecting and storing the patient’s healthy stem cells, administering high-dose chemotherapy to eliminate cancerous cells, and then reinfusing the stored stem cells to restore the bone marrow.  

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) 

These drugs, which are given in pill form, regulate the immune system and affect blood supply to myeloma cells, leading to their death. It is used in almost all patients with initial treatment in combination with other drugs, and also by itself as maintenance to keep the cancer away once it is under control. Examples include lenalidomide and pomalidomide.

Proteasome inhibitors 

These medications target the machinery inside cells that break down proteins, causing cancer cells to die. Velcade® and Kyprolis® are common examples that stop myeloma cells from growing and are often used with other treatments. 

Monoclonal antibodies 

Monoclonal antibodies find and attack specific targets on myeloma cells. Darzalex®, for example, targets a specific marker on cancer cells called CD38, and is commonly used in both initial treatment as well as in patients who relapse.