Fact 14: The Evolution of Treatment Options
There was a time when treatment options for Multiple Myeloma were sparse, primarily restricted to chemotherapy. The landscape, however, has dramatically evolved over the last few decades, offering patients a plethora of advanced treatment avenues.
Stem cell transplants, particularly autologous stem cell transplants, have emerged as a vital treatment modality. Here, a patient’s stem cells are harvested, followed by high-dose chemotherapy to destroy the diseased bone marrow. Subsequently, the previously collected stem cells are reintroduced, facilitating the regeneration of healthy bone marrow.
These therapies specifically target myeloma cells, causing minimal harm to healthy tissues. By focusing on the molecular and cellular anomalies of myeloma cells, targeted treatments ensure maximum efficacy with reduced side effects, marking a significant leap in therapeutic advancements.
Immunotherapy harnesses the patient’s immune system to combat the cancerous cells. By bolstering the body’s innate defense mechanisms or introducing lab-engineered immune cells, these treatments promise a more holistic and less invasive approach to combating the disease. (14)
