Multiple Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow, which are responsible for producing antibodies to help fight infections.

It is a rare cancer, representing only 1% of cancers in the US with an estimated 34,920 new cases and 12,410 deaths in 2021 (according to the American Cancer Society). Fortunately, there have been significant advances in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, allowing for better survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Diagnosis and Stages of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma can be challenging to diagnose as symptoms can be vague and similar to other conditions. Some symptoms of Multiple Myeloma include bone pain, fatigue, weakness, and frequent infections.

The diagnosis usually happens through a series of tests such as blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans. Once diagnosed, multiple myeloma is classified as one of three stages:.

Stage 1

In stage 1, the cancer is still in the early stages, and there are fewer cancer cells in the body. There are no symptoms or only mild symptoms at this stage.

Stage 2

In stage 2, the cancer is in its intermediate stage. There may be moderate symptoms at this stage, and there are more cancer cells in the body than in stage 1.

Stage 3

In stage 3, the cancer is in its advanced stage. There are several cancer cells in the body, and there are severe symptoms such as bone pain, kidney dysfunction, and high levels of calcium in the blood.

Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma

The treatment of Multiple Myeloma depends on several factors such as the stage of cancer, the age, overall health of the patient, and other treatment history. Some of the treatment options for Multiple Myeloma include:.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy can either be taken orally or administered intravenously. It is usually used in combination with other drugs and treatment options.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific cancer cells’ vulnerabilities, leaving normal cells unharmed. This treatment option can be useful in treating cancer resistance or more advanced stages of Myeloma.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells. The most common form of immunotherapy used in Multiple Myeloma is a monoclonal antibody.

Stem Cell Transplant

In a Stem Cell Transplant, healthy stem cells are removed from the patient’s body and given chemotherapy-containing high doses. The healthy stem cells are then transplanted back into the patient’s body.

This treatment option can be used for patients with more advanced stages of Multiple Myeloma.

More Effective Treatments: Examples of New Treatments for Multiple Myeloma

There have been significant advances in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma in recent years. These advances have resulted in improved survival rates and a better quality of life for patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Here are some examples of new treatments for Multiple Myeloma:.

1. Car-T Cell Therapy

Car-T Cell Therapy is an experimental treatment that uses a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer.

The treatment involves removing T-cells from a patient’s body and genetically modifying them so that they will attack cancer cells when they are re-infused. Car-T Cell Therapy has shown excellent results in clinical trials, and it may become a standard treatment for Multiple Myeloma in the near future.

2. Daratumumab

Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called CD38, which is present in high amounts on Multiple Myeloma cells.

In clinical trials, Daratumumab has shown excellent results in combination with other drugs such as lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The FDA has approved Daratumumab for use in patients with Multiple Myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy.

3. Pomalidomide

Pomalidomide is a type of immunomodulatory drug that has shown excellent results in clinical trials. This drug works by boosting the immune system to fight cancer cells.

Pomalidomide is typically used in conjunction with other drugs and has been shown to be effective in patients who have previously been treated with lenalidomide and bortezomib.

4. Venetoclax

Venetoclax is a drug that targets a protein called BCL-2, which is present in high amounts in Myeloma cells.

This drug has shown excellent results in clinical trials, especially when used in combination with other drugs such as bortezomib and dexamethasone. The FDA has approved Venetoclax for use in patients with relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma who have undergone at least one prior therapy.

5. Selinexor

Selinexor is a drug that inhibits a protein called XPO1, which is essential for Myeloma cell survival. Selinexor has shown excellent results in clinical trials when used in combination with other drugs such as bortezomib and dexamethasone.

The FDA has approved Selinexor for use in patients with relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma who have undergone at least four prior therapies.

Conclusion

Multiple Myeloma is a challenging cancer to treat, but significant advances in treatment options have led to better survival rates and quality of life for patients.

New treatments such as Car-T Cell Therapy, Daratumumab, Pomalidomide, Venetoclax, and Selinexor are offering new hope for patients with Multiple Myeloma. If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, be sure to discuss all treatment options with your doctor.