How is myeloma treated?

There have been many new developments in the treatment and management of myeloma over the last few years that have had a significant impact on the way myeloma is treated.

Treatments and drugs for myeloma can be very effective at halting its progress, controlling its symptoms and complications and improving quality of life. However, treatment for myeloma is not curative. 

There are a number of different treatments available, which are used at different stages of myeloma and in a number of different combinations. These include conventional (standard) treatment including:

• Chemotherapy
• Steroids
• High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation

There are several newer treatments available to treat myeloma such as:

• Thalidomide Celgene® (thalidomide)
• Velcade® (bortezomib)
• Revlimid® (lenalidomide)

There are various experimental treatments at differing stages of development that may become available to use in the clinic in the future. It may be possible to access these new drugs as part of a clinical study.

There are also a number of important and effective supportive care treatments and procedures to help treat the symptoms and complications of myeloma including:

• Balloon Kyphoplasty
• Bisphosphonates
• Erythropoietin
• Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
• Radiotherapy

 What is the life expectancy of myeloma patients?