Relapsed and refractory myeloma Infopack

This Infopack is for myeloma patients who have been told they have relapsed myeloma, or are refractory to treatment. It may also be useful to those who are newly diagnosed and wish to know what to expect, and to the family and friends of patients. It explains reasons why myeloma may relapse, how the relapse will be recognised and the treatments available. It also explains why myeloma can become refractory to treatments, and what options may be available for these patients.

This Infopack covers key questions and topics about relapsed and refractory myeloma, including:

• What is myeloma?
• What is relapsed myeloma?
• How will my healthcare team know if my myeloma is relapsing?
• When may my myeloma relapse?
• What are my treatment options at relapse?
• What is refractory myeloma?
• What are my options when I have multiple relapses?
• Help, support, and ways to cope

Key points you can read about in this Infosheet include:

• Myeloma is a blood cancer of the plasma cells, which are a type of cell made in the bone marrow
• Myeloma is a relapsed and remitting cancer. Relapse is when myeloma returns or becomes more active, after a period of remission or plateau
• Relapse happens because current treatments cannot kill all the myeloma cells in a person’s body
• Some patients have long periods of remission. Many will have a number of remissions and relapses
• Myeloma is not currently curable, but there are many different treatment options for relapsed myeloma. New treatments are being developed in clinical trials
• Your healthcare team will carry out regular tests to monitor your myeloma and check whether it is relapsing
• It is not possible to know exactly when relapse will happen. The length of remissions can vary greatly
• There are some factors that can influence how long a remission lasts, including how well you respond to treatments, and certain genetic changes in the myeloma cells
• There are different treatment options available at each relapse. Your healthcare team will discuss with you which treatments are likely to be most effective for you, and the timing of starting treatment
• Supportive treatments are given alongside anti-myeloma treatment, to help with symptoms and complications
• Refractory myeloma means myeloma that has not responded to a treatment. Being refractory to one treatment does not mean you are refractory to all treatments
• It is normal to experience many emotions when you relapse or become refractory to a treatment. There are sources of support available, and ways to reduce stress and live well. Sources of support include your healthcare team, the Myeloma Infoline, counselling services, and our Peer Buddy service and Support Groups
• Turn to page 95 for tips for living well with relapsed and refractory myeloma

Relapsed and refractory myeloma Infopack

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