If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, here’s something encouraging: this blood cancer is now one of the most treatable, and people are living longer, fuller lives than ever before. These cancer cells can crowd out healthy blood cells and may affect your bones, kidneys, and immune system.
Multiple myeloma usually affects people over 65, but it can happen at any age. The symptoms often look like other health issues, which is why connecting with your doctor matters. You might have bone pain, especially in your back or chest, making it hard to move or leaving you feeling especially weak. You might feel exhausted because the cancer interferes with your body's ability to make healthy red blood cells. You may get infections more easily because your immune system is weaker. Some people lose weight without trying, feel confused, are often thirsty, or have kidney problems. If you notice several of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
There is good news. Treatments for multiple myeloma have changed a lot in the past 20 years. What was once incredibly difficult to treat is now a condition many people live with for years. Medical advances have given us powerful new options, and more are on the way.
Today’s treatments are smarter. They target cancer cells while leaving your healthy cells alone. Some medications prevent cancer cells from managing their internal waste, causing them to essentially poison themselves. Others boost your immune system’s natural ability to spot and destroy cancer cells while also cutting off the blood supply that tumors need to grow.
Another breakthrough involves monoclonal antibodies. These are proteins made to attach to cancer cells and mark them for your immune system to destroy. Some can also carry chemotherapy drugs straight to cancer cells, delivering treatment more precisely and reducing side effects.
One of the most encouraging developments is maintenance therapy. After your initial treatment gets the cancer under control, you continue taking medication at lower doses to keep it from coming back. This has helped many people stay cancer-free longer.
Stem cell transplantation remains an effective option for some patients. Doctors collect your healthy stem cells, use strong chemotherapy to remove cancer cells, and then return your stem cells to help rebuild your bone marrow. This approach has helped many people achieve years of remission.
Treatment advances go beyond targeting cancer cells. Today’s supportive care is better at helping you feel good through treatment. Medications can strengthen your bones and prevent fractures. When you are not experiencing bone pain or breaks, it adds up to a better quality of life during and after treatment.
Every person’s cancer is different, and treatments are now more personalized. Genetic testing of your cancer cells helps your doctor know exactly what they are dealing with and pick the medicines most likely to help you. This leads to fewer trials, helping us find the right treatment approach faster.
Researchers across the country and at Astera are working on new treatments. Clinical trials are testing new drugs and combinations. Scientists are making more precise immunotherapies and finding ways to overcome drug resistance. Each discovery builds on the last, and progress is moving faster than ever.
A multiple myeloma diagnosis doesn't mean putting your life on hold. Many patients keep working, traveling, spending time with family, and enjoying hobbies. Support groups and counseling can help you and your family handle the emotional side of diagnosis and treatment. You are not alone.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are currently in treatment, or are supporting someone you care about, know that multiple myeloma care has come so far. At Astera Cancer Care, our hematology-oncology team understands that behind every diagnosis is a person with a life to live and people who love them. We're here with the latest treatments, access to clinical trials, and the compassionate care you deserve.