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Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Common Medicines and Their Side Effects
By Prashant Baghel
Multiple myeloma is a kind of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, which is where your body makes blood cells. Multiple myeloma is different from other cancers because it affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
Every time I hear the word "cancer," I feel overwhelmed. And when it's a disease like multiple myeloma, which not everyone knows about, it raises even more questions. What kinds of treatments are there? What drugs will I need to take? Will they have any side effects?
The good news is that multiple myeloma treatment has improved greatly in recent years, which means patients live longer and have better outcomes. Medicines are a big part of treating this disease, but like all drugs, they have both good and bad effects.
In this article, we'll talk about the most common drugs used in multiple myeloma treatment, how they work, what side effects you might have, and how to deal with them. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions and point you in the direction of the best care.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. Normally, these cells make antibodies that help the body fight infections. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells that aren't normal grow too quickly and take over healthy cells.
This cancer can hurt the bones, kidneys, and immune system over time. It's a serious illness, but if it's found early and treated correctly, patients can live for many years.
Goals of Multiple Myeloma Treatment
The main goals of treatment are:
- To kill or keep the cancer cells in check
- To help with symptoms like tiredness or bone pain
- To avoid problems like infections or kidney damage
- For a better quality of life
Depending on the patient's age, health, and how far the disease has progressed, doctors may use a mix of medicines and stem cell transplants.
Common Medicines Used in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Many different kinds of drugs can be used in multiple myeloma treatment. They all work in different ways to fight cancer. Let's talk about the most common ones and what you need to know about them.
1. Proteasome Blockers
Some examples are Bortezomib (Velcade), Carfilzomib (Kyprolis), and Ixazomib (Ninlaro). Proteasome inhibitors stop proteasomes, which are structures inside cells that break down old proteins, from working. When proteasomes are blocked, myeloma cells get stressed and die. People often use these drugs as their first choice or with other drugs.
Side Effects That Happen Often:
Some patients may feel tired, sick, have diarrhea, constipation, or nerve damage (also called peripheral neuropathy). Your hands or feet may feel tingly, burning, or numb. Most of the time, doctors keep a close eye on these side effects and change the dose if necessary.
2. Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMiDs)
Thalidomide, Lenalidomide (Revlimid), and Pomalidomide (Pomalyst) are some examples. These drugs help the immune system find and kill cancer cells. They also stop tumors from growing new blood vessels and myeloma cells from growing. People often use them during and after the first phase of treatment.
Some common side effects are tiredness, low blood cell counts, constipation, rashes, or blood clots. To stop blood from clotting, doctors often give these drugs with blood thinners. Thalidomide should never be used by women who are pregnant or might become pregnant because it can cause birth defects.
3. Monoclonal Antibodies
Daratumumab (Darzalex), Isatuximab (Sarclisa), and Elotuzumab (Empliciti) are examples of lab-made antibodies that attack certain proteins on cancer cells. They help the immune system attack and kill the myeloma cells. Most of the time, they are given through an IV in a hospital or clinic.
Side Effects That Happen Often:
Reactions to the infusion, such as chills, fever, trouble breathing, or a rash on the skin. These reactions happen more often in the first few treatments, but they can be controlled with pre-medication and slow infusion rates.
4. Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Dexamethasone and prednisone are two examples.
Steroids help lower swelling and kill cancer cells directly. They are often used with other treatments at the same time.
Some common side effects are: a bigger appetite, weight gain, high blood sugar, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and weak muscles. Using it for a long time can make your bones weaker and make you more likely to get infections. Over time, doctors may lower the dose or suggest supplements to keep the bones safe.
5. Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy kills cells that grow quickly, like cancer cells. Chemotherapy is still used in some cases, especially before a stem cell transplant, even though newer drugs are more common.
Common side effects include hair loss, low blood counts, nausea, vomiting, and a higher risk of infection. Most side effects go away after treatment ends, but doctors will keep a close eye on patients the whole time.
6. Bone-Strengthening Drugs
Some examples are Pamidronate and Zoledronic acid (Zometa). These don't directly treat cancer, but they help keep bones from breaking and lessen the pain caused by myeloma.
Side Effects That Happen Often:
Symptoms that are like the flu, low calcium levels, or pain in the jaw. You should keep your teeth clean and let your dentist know that you are taking these medications.
Dealing with side effects while getting treatment
It's normal to be worried about side effects. The good news is that with the right help, most side effects can be controlled or lessened.
- Food: Healthy meals can help your immune system and give you more energy. Stay away from foods that make you sick or hurt.
- Hydration: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys work better and lowers the risk of drug-related problems.
- Rest: Get a lot of sleep, but also do some light exercise, like walking, to keep your body strong.
- For emotional support, talk to a therapist or join a support group. Getting better mentally is just as important as getting better physically.
Talk to your healthcare team about any changes in how you feel. They might change your medications, change your dose, or give you supportive care to help.
Take the Right Step with Trusted Care
Multiple myeloma is a serious condition, but it can be treated. Many patients are able to manage their symptoms and live full lives with the right mix of medications and supportive care. Every treatment, whether it's a steroid, a proteasome inhibitor, or a monoclonal antibody, has a specific purpose and possible side effects. The most important thing is to stay informed, do what your doctor says, and tell them how you feel during treatment.
If you or a loved one is facing this condition, it’s important to receive expert care from a hospital you can trust. Oncare Hospital offers advanced multiple myeloma treatment using cutting-edge therapies and the latest medical technology. Backed by a compassionate and experienced team, they support patients at every stage of the journey.
From diagnosis to recovery, Oncare Hospital is one of the best places for multiple myeloma treatment, helping patients live longer, healthier lives with hope and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people think of multiple myeloma as a long-term illness. Even though it might not be completely cured, many people live long, active lives with the right care and treatment.
Traditional chemotherapy makes hair loss more likely. Immunotherapy and proteasome inhibitors are two newer treatments that usually don't make your hair fall out.
A lot of people keep working while they're getting treatment, especially if they can set their own hours. But tiredness and side effects could change how you do things. Talk to your doctor and boss about what you can do.
You should never use natural remedies instead of medical care. But eating well, staying active, and finding ways to deal with stress can all help you feel better overall.
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