Multiple myeloma is difficult to treat due to the complexity of this condition, so we need to select Multiple Myeloma Treatment options really carefully. It requires the use of advanced technology, medication, and supportive care to ensure that the patient is able to survive this condition. However, the multiple myeloma treatment options has seen great strides in the past few years with the improvement in the medical industry, which has also led to improve survival rate for patients.
For those who are diagnosed with this condition, it is good to know that you have plenty of options to find relief from this condition. Below are some of the treatment options depending on what your case may be.
Standard Risk Multiple Myeloma Treatment
There are several options available for patients who are diagnosed with standard risk myeloma. If the doctor has not recommended stem cell transplantation, a standard risk myeloma patient undergoes initial treatment involving melphalan prednisone thalidomide or MPT chemotherapy. Another alternative would be the bortezomib melphalan prednisone or VMP chemotherapy.
In case a patient is recommended for stem cell transplantation, the stem cell must be collected prior to administering melphalan because the drug can cause long lasting damage to the patient’s stem cells.
High Risk Multiple Myeloma Treatment
These are various forms of multiple myeloma treatment recommended for patients that are diagnosed to have high risk case. However, the options are still limited as medical experts are still undergoing clinical trials to determine how to effectively treat this condition at this stage. Thus, patients can undergo this clinical trial wherein they will use bortezomib for treating this condition. According to research made by health and medical experts, bortezomib has been proven to improve a patient’s survival rate.
Stem Cell Transplantation
This is considered a high-risk treatment option with fatal consequences among other complications. Thus, not everyone is a candidate for this treatment option and is often undergone only as a last resort for treatment. There are varying eligibility requirements for stem cell transplantation from one country or institution to another, though. In Europe, only patients below 65 years of age are allowed to undergo this procedure. Meanwhile, the US does not pose any age restriction for this treatment procedure.
Intake of Immune-Modulating Agents
The intakes of immune-modulating agents are highly recommended as multiple myeloma treatment. Here are some of the drugs that are included in the treatment regimen, whether one at a time or in combination:
– Bortezomib – This immune-modulating drug is recommended for multiple myeloma patients. It is highly recommended for those suffering from kidney failure and is administered intravenously. However, it must be taken only with a doctor’s prescription because it can result to nerve damage and low blood counts.
– Lenalidomide – This drug is recommended during initial treatment and is mostly taken along with dexamethasone. This is also recommended if you are planning to undergo stem cell trasnsplantation.
– Thalidomide – This is another alternative to lenalidomide for combining intake with dexamethasone. However, it is not as popular due to the toxic side effects and is also not as effective.
Make sure that you consult with your doctor before opting to undergo any of the above treatment procedures. Only a skilled practitioner can determine the right option for multiple myeloma treatment based on the level of medical care that is needed by the patient.
