Yes, it is possible to achieve remission from multiple myeloma. Remission means that there are no traces of active myeloma detected in tests, including bone marrow biopsies and analyses of the blood and urine.
Although remission does not necessarily mean that the disease is cured, it does mean that symptoms are drastically reduced, giving the patient months or even years of improved quality of life.
Achieving remission usually involves a combination of treatment options, depending on the patient’s individual situation. Common treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as newer therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, which target and kill myeloma cells in the body.
In some cases, a stem cell transplant may be necessary.
With the right combination of treatment, remission rates can be quite encouraging. For example, according to the International Myeloma Working Group, over 70% of patients with multiple myeloma have achieved some degree of remission by their fifth year of treatment.
It is important to remember that remission is not a cure, and that multiple myeloma can ultimately return. However, staying in remission for as long as possible can help to increase overall survival and give a patient sustained periods of good health.
How long will multiple myeloma stay in remission?
The amount of time that multiple myeloma will remain in remission varies. Generally, the longer it remains in remission, the better the chances for a successful long-term remission. Most people find that it remains in remission for 1-3 years on average; however, some people may experience a remission lasting 5 years or more.
Factors like the patient’s age, stage of disease, response to treatment and overall health can impact how long someone may stay in remission. Additionally, some people with multiple myeloma may experience multiple remissions and relapses during the course of their treatment.
Regardless of how long someone may be in remission, it is important to stay in close contact with a doctor and get routine follow-up care and tests to monitor for any changes or recurrences of the disease.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of any new or worsening symptoms and reach out to a doctor if any develop.
How long can remission last with multiple myeloma?
The length of remission that can be expected with multiple myeloma can vary from patient to patient. Generally, most people who respond well to treatment can see remissions that last from as little as one or two years to as much as a decade.
Depending on the stage at diagnosis and the treatment plan that is chosen, the patient may be able to achieve a longer remission. Additionally, some people are able to achieve a so-called “durable remission”—essentially, a remission that lasts more than five years.
The maintenance of remission also relies on the patient continuing to receive treatment despite achieving remission, as the disease can recur if it is not managed correctly. Factors like age, lifestyle and genetics can also play a role in how long a remission can last.
Does multiple myeloma come back after remission?
Yes, it is possible for multiple myeloma to come back after it goes into remission. This is known as a recurrence. In fact, multiple myeloma is considered incurable due to its tendency to recur. After initial remission, around two-thirds of patients will experience a relapse within the first five years.
While some patients may stay in a long remission and even experience complete remission, myeloma is a chronic disease that can recur multiple times.
In general, there are a few factors that may affect if or when a recurrence of myeloma may occur, including:
– The type and timing of treatment received
– The patient’s response to treatment
– How active the disease was initially
– The patient’s genetic and environmental factors
Due to the potential for recurrence, it is important for those in remission from multiple myeloma to keep up with follow-up care, including regular checkups and monitoring for any signs or symptoms that the disease may have returned.
How close are we to a cure for multiple myeloma?
While progress has been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a cure for this cancer has yet to be found. Scientists and researchers are constantly researching and studying potential treatments for multiple myeloma and improving existing treatments.
New treatments, including immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and monoclonal antibodies, are currently being developed and evaluated in clinical trials, but the exact timeline for a cure is impossible to predict.
That said, these new treatments are making a positive impact on the outlook for those with multiple myeloma and have been shown to extend life expectancy. Additionally, existing treatments have been refined and improved to make them safer and more effective.
In summary, while a cure has yet to be found, there is ongoing research and considerable progress has been made in treating multiple myeloma.
Can you live 15 years with multiple myeloma?
Yes, you can live 15 years with multiple myeloma. Depending on the patient’s age and overall health, there are a variety of treatments that may be available, including chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and newer targeted therapies.
A patient’s overall outlook for survival depends on a number of factors, such as their age, stage of the disease, any other medical issues (such as heart, kidney, or lung diseases), and the patient’s response to treatment.
Finding and treating myeloma as early as possible is important, as is receiving regular medical care, staying as active as possible, and eating a healthy diet.
Advancements in treatments have allowed for a more positive long-term outlook. With better prognosis and treatments, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 60%, and the 10-year survival rate is almost 35%.
Survival rates are lower for patients aged 65 or over and higher for those aged under 65.
Studies have shown that, with proper treatment and care, some patients can live with multiple myeloma for over a decade. A study with over 500 participants showed that 53% of those under the age of 65 were alive and in remission after 15 years.
Overall, with the right treatment plans and lifestyle changes, it is possible to live a long and fulfilling life with multiple myeloma.
Why does multiple myeloma keep coming back?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells can form tumors in the bone marrow, which can cause bones to become thin and break more easily.
Unfortunately, multiple myeloma often recurs after it is initially treated. This is because, even after treatment, the myeloma cells can remain in the bone marrow and begin growing and dividing again.
This can be due to remaining myeloma cells that were not destroyed by treatment, or because of changes that occur in the myeloma cells which make the cells resistant to treatment. In some cases, myeloma may also cause cells to hide in the body, which means they are not affected by treatment.
Additionally, the bone marrow environment may not support treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy, which can leave some cancer cells unharmed. All of these factors contribute to the recurrent nature of multiple myeloma.
What happens when chemo stops working for multiple myeloma?
If chemotherapy stops working for multiple myeloma, there are several other treatments that can be considered. Generally, a combination of therapies can be effective. These include radiation therapy to help shrink tumors, immunomodulatory agents to help target the cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies to target certain substances found on the surface of myeloma cells, and stem cell transplantation to replace damaged cells.
In addition to these specialized treatments, other options may include supportive care including physical and occupational therapy, nutrition support, and emotional support to help relieve any pain and discomfort associated with the disease.
The key is to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s needs and work closely with a healthcare team to select the best combination of treatments.
What is the most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma?
The most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma is complications arising from the disease. These complications can include infections, kidney failure, and bone fractures. Additionally, the treatment used to fight off the disease, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, can lead to serious side effects and further complications.
As with any cancer, patients with multiple myeloma may also experience psychological distress related to their condition. Therefore, it is important for these individuals to access psychological support to help them cope with their diagnosis and related stress.
Finally, due to the advanced stage of the cancer when it is often diagnosed, multiple myeloma can be very difficult to treat, leading to a poorer prognosis for some patients.
How many rounds of chemo is normal for multiple myeloma?
The number of rounds of chemotherapy for multiple myeloma depends on the individual and the stage of their multiple myeloma. Generally, people with early stage multiple myeloma typically receive one or two cycles of chemotherapy while people with more advanced stage multiple myeloma will usually receive multiple rounds of chemotherapy.
The drug and type of chemotherapy a person receives can also affect the number of rounds. People with multiple myeloma may receive different combinations of chemotherapy drugs, or they may even receive different rounds of the same drug, depending on the stage of the multiple myeloma and their individual situation.
In some cases, a person might receive up to eight rounds of chemotherapy. However, the average is usually around 4-6 cycles. Additionally, some people may receive maintenance treatment, which is a low dose of chemotherapy offered after the initial treatment.
This type of chemotherapy is aimed at keeping the cancer from coming back. Ultimately, the number of rounds of chemotherapy for multiple myeloma will depend on each individual’s health and progress.
What is the good news about multiple myeloma?
The good news about multiple myeloma is that it is a treatable and often curable form of cancer. Treatments have improved significantly in recent years, leading to more and more people who are living longer and fuller lives after being diagnosed.
Such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, that help to slow down the progression or even put the disease into complete remission. New advances in immunotherapy, such as CAR-T cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugates, are also offering exciting potential for increased patient survival.
In addition, researchers are continuing to develop new treatments and therapies to improve survival rates and make the lives of those living with multiple myeloma more bearable. There is hope for those who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and with the right combination of treatments, individuals can live long and healthy lives.
What happens when myeloma returns?
When myeloma returns, it is called recurrent multiple myeloma. This means the cancer cells have come back after you have been in remission. Recurrent myeloma may be found in the bone marrow, bone, or other organs.
It is important to understand that even if the myeloma comes back, it is still a treatable and potentially manageable disease.
Your doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan to manage the myeloma. Treatment may include a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy and/or stem cell transplant.
Clinical trials may also be available and can provide access to new treatments and therapies. Participating in a clinical trial can also help expand knowledge surrounding multiple myeloma, which can lead to better treatments and care in the future.
Your doctor will also likely recommend and order additional tests, such as disease-monitoring tests and imaging tests, to monitor the progression of the recurrent myeloma and to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
It is important to discuss the goals of recurrent myeloma treatment with your doctor so you can work together to come up with a plan that works for you.