Relapsed multiple myeloma treatment: Options and insights
Multiple myeloma, a form of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow, often presents medical professionals with challenging treatment scenarios, particularly when patients experience a relapse. Relapsed multiple myeloma treatment is an area of oncology that is undergoing continuous research. In this article, we delve deep into the realm of relapsed multiple myeloma, the available treatments, and the strides being made in therapeutic advancements.
When does multiple myeloma relapse occur?
Relapse refers to the return of disease symptoms after a period of remission. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including resistance to initial treatment or the nature of cancer to adapt and grow. A relapse in multiple myeloma can occur when the disease, which was previously in remission or under control, returns or progresses after a period of improvement.
The time of relapse can vary from one patient to another, and it may occur months or even years after the initial multiple myeloma treatment. Monitoring the disease through regular check-ups is important for your medical team to detect any signs of relapse early and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
How is relapsed multiple myeloma treated?
The following conventional options may be available to patients as initial treatment or after a multiple myeloma relapse:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapeutic agents have been a common multiple myeloma treatment for decades. These drugs aim to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Radiation
Targeted radiation therapy can be used to treat specific areas where myeloma cells have accumulated, alleviating pain and controlling localized disease growth.
New treatments for relapsed multiple myeloma
With advancements in medical research, newer multiple myeloma therapies have emerged, offering hope to those dealing with relapse.
Immunomodulatory drugs
Immunomodulatory drugs enhance the immune system's ability to combat myeloma cells. Especially in relapsed multiple myeloma scenarios, they can be a key treatment option.
Proteasome inhibitors:
These types of treatments target the proteasome, a cellular complex that degrades unneeded proteins. Myeloma cells are particularly sensitive to proteasome disruption.
Monoclonal antibodies
These treatments are designed to specifically target myeloma cells. They have shown promise in treating relapsed multiple myeloma in particular.
Bispecific T-cell engagers
These treatment options bring T-cells (the body’s immune cells) in close contact with myeloma cells, enhancing the destruction of the cancerous cells.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy
This type of treatment involves modifying a patient’s T-cells in a lab to help them better recognize and attack myeloma cells. This personalized approach has shown promising results in certain trials.
Choosing the right treatment
Your medical team usually chooses appropriate relapsed multiple myeloma treatment depending on multiple factors, including:
duration since the patient’s last treatment
patient's overall health and age
previous treatments and their outcomes
genetic mutations present in the myeloma cells
An interdisciplinary team, involving hematologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists, works to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Emerging research
Research into relapsed multiple myeloma is ever-advancing. Studies exploring combinations of treatments, or investigating entirely new therapeutic strategies, are continually underway.
Additionally, advancements in genomics are allowing researchers to understand the specific genetic mutations in individual patient's myeloma cells, paving the way for more personalized therapies.
Relapsed multiple myeloma, while challenging, is not the end of the road. With the advent of new therapeutic agents, combined with tried-and-tested conventional treatments, ways for treating this disease are growing. Patients and their families are encouraged to discuss with their medical team about the range of options available, including the possibility of joining new trials.
Share your relapse story and connect with others facing myeloma in the Inspire Myeloma Support Community.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353383
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/fda-carvykti-multiple-myeloma
Disclaimer
Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
