Being the second most common type of blood cancer, 5-6% of the world population is diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma every year. The survival rate is around 54% with proper treatment. Over the years, with the advancement of medical science, the survival rate for this disease has increased considerably to 74% for those who are diagnosed at the earliest stage. It is most likely to occur in adults and senior citizens and scarce in case of teenagers as well as young adults.
Multiple Myeloma is the cancer of plasma cells. Upon developing this condition, the plasma cells in the bone marrow become cancerous and start multiplying. As a result of this, they produce an abnormal antibody (protein). This disorder also leads to the plasma cells outnumbering the healthy blood-forming cells and cause a shortage of RBC. The platelet count in the body also becomes low, which can cause increased bleeding. Apart from this, Multiple Myeloma also causes Leucopoenia where normal white blood cells decrease in number. Lastly, it can bring damage to the bones, immune system and kidneys.
At present, scientists and researchers have not been able to hit bull’s eye on what triggers this disease. However, the beginning point is marked with the birth of the abnormal plasma cells that start reproducing rapidly in the bone marrow. Not only this, but unlike the healthy cells, they don’t perish after a certain time. Instead, they continue living indefinitely and keep on multiplying. Certain progress has been made in this case with the recent findings on how particular DNA alterations (mutations) can make the plasma cells cancerous.
If you have been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, several treatments can cure the condition. Depending upon your condition and current stage, the standard treatment options are as follows-
It is a promising new drug that works alone as well as combined with other drugs to destroy the myeloma cells effectively. Proper treatment can lead to overall survival, event-free survival and progression-free survival.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Lenalidomide
Whether you have been prescribed the Lenalidomide 25 mg or 10 mg, or any other strength, it must be consumed at the same time each day. You are free to take it with or without food. It is very important to follow the guidelines and instructions mentioned on the label as well as in the prescription.
Preventive measures
If you are pregnant, it is strictly advised to stay off this medicine. It has been seen to have severe defects on the life of the baby; in extreme cases, death. That is why it is best to use birth control or terminate the pregnancy if it is mandatory for you to undergo this treatment.
Some of the Common Side Effects of using Lenalidomide-
This drug treatment for Multiple Myeloma is conducted through pill form. It is recommended for patients who have undergone at least two therapies before that include Lenalidomide as well as a proteasome inhibitor.
The Correct Dosage and Detailed Procedure to use the Pomalidomide
Pomalidomide is used in combination with dexamethasone from Day 1 to Day 21 if the 28-day cycles until signs of progression are shown. Have one capsule (swallow with water) each day at the same time, with or without food.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of using Pomalidomide
This anti-cancer drug works as a selective proteasome inhibitor. This is an intravenous drug that is prescribed in combination with Dexamethasone or Lenalidomide after at least one previous therapy. Not only this, but this drugtherapyis shown to treat refractory or relapsed Multiple Myeloma.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Carfilzomib
Carfilzomib injection is used alone or in combination with Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide. It is given by a medical health professional like a doctor or nurse. It doesn’t take more than 10 to 30 minutes. Doctors usually go with the 2 days in a row per week method that lasts for 3 weeks. After that, comes a 12-days rest period followed by once a week for 3 weeks. Blood tests and diagnosis will be carried out in between to observe your body’s reaction to the therapy.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of Carfilzomib
The novel first-in-class proteasome inhibitor is one of the most efficient drugs used for treating Multiple Myeloma. Bortezomib injection is given to patients who are in a relapsed state and post-transplant state. They can also be effective for patients who aren’t viable candidates for transplantation.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Bortezomib
At a concentration of 1mg/mL or 2.5mg/mL, Bortezomib is injected in the vein subcutaneously by a medical professional. Doses may vary according to the seriousness of your condition.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of Bortezomib
This is an intravenous drug that is given in combination with prednisone or alone. Suitable for treating both relapsed and refractory Multiple Myeloma, Carmustine works by blocking DNA repair in tumor cells to destroy them.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Carmustine
Usually, a 61.6-mg single dose is given once in every six weeks to adults. It can vary according to your medical state. Before stem cell or bone marrow transplant, Carmustine injection is also given to decrease the WBC count in the body, which suppresses immune response against the transplant.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of Carmustine
This alkalizing agent works by destroying the cancer cells as well as curbing them from multiplying further. This drug is also infused in the body before stem cell transplant to stop the immune system from rejecting the donor cells.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Melphalan
In older patients, the standard oral treatment is Melphalan combined with prednisone. Depending on your body weight and medical condition, the dose may vary. A typical schedule is 6mg per day. For the Melphalan injection, Melphalan 50 mg powder and solvent is required. The intravenous treatment is suited for younger patients.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of Melphalan
This prescription drug is not a part of chemotherapy. It is a form of targeted antibody therapy that helps to slow down the process of multiplication of cancer cells by attaching itself to the Myeloma cells and enabling the immune system for this killing them.
The correct dosage and detailed procedure to use Daratumumab
Daratumumab injection can be given to people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at the early stages or to patients who have undergone one or two treatments before this. It can be used alone or by combining with other injections, as per the situation. Mention may be made of the fact that Daratumumab cost is usually quite high- $ 590 for 5mL.
Preventive Measures
Some of the Common Side Effects of Daratumumab
The above-mentioned drugs are seen to work effectively in curing Multiple Myeloma in adults and children. It is imperative to follow the prescription and instructions stated by your doctor. Refrain from sharing the medicines with anyone, even if they have developed a condition similar to yours. Regular check-ups and blood tests are also conducted to notice how your body is responding to drug treatment. All Multiple Myeloma medications are available at Ikris pharma at cost-effective prices.
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Disclaimer: The aforesaid information is only for information purpose.