Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in the bone marrow. As a disease with no known cure, its symptoms can cause numerous complications, such as bone pain, anemia, fatigue, and kidney damage. However, recent advancements in multiple myeloma treatments have allowed those living with the disease to experience significant improvements in their quality of life.

In recent years, a new treatment known as bortezomib (Velcade) has proven to be successful in combating multiple myeloma. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor, meaning that it is designed to disrupt proteins that help cancer cells survive and multiply, thus helping to reduce the symptoms caused by multiple myeloma. Clinical studies have shown that this treatment can extend the survival rate of patients with multiple myeloma for over two years, and can reduce symptoms significantly.

Another form of treatment that has brought positive results for those with multiple myeloma is autologous stem cell transplantation. This procedure involves harvesting the patient’s own stem cells, which are then destroyed with high-intensity chemotherapy. The patient’s stem cells are then replaced in order to restore the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Generally, stem cell transplants provide improved survival rates for multiple myeloma patients over a five-year period, as well as an ability to delay or prevent relapse.

In addition to bortezomib and autologous stem cell transplantation, newer forms of treatment for multiple myeloma have become available. Immunotherapy is one example of a novel treatment that utilizes modified versions of the patient’s T cells in order to target and destroy cancer cells, thus helping to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Additionally, there are several drugs that are designed to target two enzymes involved in creating cancer cells, known as monoclonal antibodies – these have been successful in increasing the lifespan of multiple myeloma patients.

Overall, the positive impact that recent treatments for multiple myeloma have had on patients and their families is tremendous. Improvements in patient survival rates and reduced symptoms have created a much more hopeful outlook for those dealing with the disease. The newest treatments available, such as immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, show promise in helping to further boost the quality of life of multiple myeloma patients.