Understanding Multiple Myeloma And The Available Treatment Options
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer impacting nearly 500,000 people worldwide. Plasma cells — the white blood cells tasked with creating antibodies — are afflicted by the cancer. As such, those possessing the disease can suffer from kidney failure, bone pain, anemia, neurological issues, and the repeated occurrence of infections.
Those impacted by multiple myeloma are usually over 65 years of age. Obesity and the consumption of alcohol increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.
Fortunately, many treatment options have been created in order to combat the disease. Each method is geared towards the patient. They sync together with the overall goals of the patient — as well as the possible side affects associated with the method of choice.
The following methods are widely recommended by medical professionals: Immunotherapy (including CAR-T and bispecific antibodies), stem cell transplant, radiation, surgery, combination chemotherapy, and bone-protective agents.
Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cell Therapy
A major shift in recent years has been the rise of CAR-T cell therapies, such as ide-cel (Abecma) and cilta-cel (Carvykti). These involve engineering a patient's own T cells to recognize and attack myeloma cells. As of 2026, these are increasingly used earlier in treatment, sometimes after only one prior line of therapy. Bispecific antibodies like teclistamab (Tecvayli) represent another "off-the-shelf" advancement, acting as a bridge to pull the body's immune cells directly to the cancer cells.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are experimental options catered to try and treat the disease. These could prove to be extremely effective and positive, especially when exploring new targets beyond BCMA, such as GPRC5D. Clinical trials are introduced based upon the patient, their medical history, and the severity of the disease.
Managing Infections and Anemia
Those beset by multiple myeloma are susceptible to an inordinate amount of infections. Via the help of donors, one can receive antibodies (IVIG) intravenously. Additionally, as a means to help correct anemia, blood transfusions or drugs such as erythropoietin are often utilized to help with low blood cell counts.
Radiation and Plasmapheresis
Radiation therapy is an option for those experiencing symptoms such as a sudden weakening of leg muscles or problems with urination. Plasmapheresis is a procedure in which excess myeloma protein is removed from the blood to prevent thickening and slowing of circulation. Because it does not kill the cells themselves, it is traditionally employed alongside chemotherapy.
Bone Health and Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate and zoledronic acid, slow the gradual weakening of bones. Another option often used is denosumab. While rare, these can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), so doctors recommend addressing dental issues before starting these drugs.
Stem Cell Transplants and Chemotherapy
Autologous stem cell transplants remain a standard for eligible patients, often preceded by "quadruplet" induction therapy (a combination of an anti-CD38 antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, and dexamethasone). Chemotherapy drugs like melphalan, bendamustine, and cyclophosphamide continue to be integral to these regimens.
In the event of a diagnosis, modern medical advances have created a detailed gameplan to fight the disease, with choices crafted to suit the specific needs of each individual patient.