Advanced treatments bring hope to patients with multiple myeloma

Health experts in India have shared that treatments like bone marrow transplants, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy have significantly improved outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer arising from plasma cells. The disease, once considered fatal, can now be managed effectively with these medical advancements.

“Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, which despite the various complexities, can still be cured. Bone marrow transplant is one of the effective treatments for multiple myeloma,” said Rahul Bhargava, Director, Department of Clinical Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Hospital Gurugram. He explained that hematopoietic stem cells collected from the patient or a donor are used in the procedure to treat the disease.

Advancements in newer methods like immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy have extended the lifespan of multiple myeloma patients. Ashish Gupta, Chief of Medical Oncology at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre, Delhi, mentioned that many patients now survive for over 7-8 years, even more than a decade, due to these treatments. Gupta also highlighted the shift towards less invasive medication administration methods, making life easier for patients.

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include unexplained kidney failure, back pain with broken bones, long-term anemia, fatigue, and infections in the urine. Doctors stress the importance of early treatment for better outcomes, as delaying the procedure can impact the success rate of bone marrow transplants. “In patients, recovery is 90 per cent, who receive the treatment within the recovery time-frame,” noted Rahul Bhargava.

With advancements in medical technologies and treatments, patients with multiple myeloma are experiencing longer survival rates and better quality of life. The transition to less invasive treatment options and early intervention are crucial in managing this complex blood cancer, offering hope to those affected by the disease.