These days, myeloma is met with decades of medical advancement and effective treatment options. Learn more about your options today.
Myeloma Treatments Evolve
Myeloma, once considered an incurable blood cancer, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its treatment landscape. Novel therapies, including targeted drugs, stem cell transplants, and CAR T-cell therapy, have revolutionized patient outcomes, offering hope and improved quality of life.1
Targeted therapies, such as immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, have significantly improved outcomes for patients with myeloma. These drugs work by precisely targeting cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and spread. Immunomodulatory drugs, such as lenalidomide and pomalidomide, enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack myeloma cells, while proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, disrupt the protein production machinery within cancer cells, leading to their death.
Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, offers the potential for long-term remission or even cure in eligible patients. This procedure involves harvesting healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient themselves and infusing them into the patient’s body after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The transplanted stem cells then regenerate the bone marrow, producing healthy blood cells and restoring the immune system.
Innovative Therapies Emerge
In recent years, the field of myeloma treatment has witnessed the emergence of several innovative therapies that have further enhanced patient outcomes. One such advancement is the development of monoclonal antibodies, which are laboratory-produced proteins that target specific antigens on myeloma cells. Daratumumab, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating myeloma, particularly when combined with other therapies.2
Another promising approach is the use of checkpoint inhibitors, which work by blocking certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them evade the immune system. By releasing the brakes on the immune system, checkpoint inhibitors enable the body’s natural defenses to more effectively target and destroy myeloma cells.
CAR T-cell Therapy Offers Hope
Among the most groundbreaking advancements in myeloma treatment is CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that genetically engineers a patient’s own T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This revolutionary approach has shown remarkable results in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma, providing a new treatment option for those with limited alternatives.
CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting T cells from a patient’s blood, genetically modifying them to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that targets a specific antigen on myeloma cells, and then infusing the modified T cells back into the patient’s body. These engineered T cells can then effectively identify and destroy myeloma cells, leading to significant tumor regression and improved patient outcomes.
Learn More Today
The field of myeloma treatment is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and clinical trials exploring even more innovative and effective therapies. Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers and stay informed about the latest advancements to ensure they receive the most optimal and up-to-date treatment options.