Main treatments for myeloma
Myeloma can be difficult to treat.
The treatment you'll have for myeloma depends on:
- your symptoms
- if your myeloma has come back (relapsed)
- your age and general health
Sometimes you may not need any treatment straight away.
You may be offered a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines, steroids and medicines to help with bone thinning called bisphosphonates.
Your specialist treatment team will:
- explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
- work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
- help you to manage the side effects of treatment
If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.
Targeted medicines
Targeted medicines kill cancer cells.
You may be treated with targeted medicines if:
- your myeloma is causing symptoms
- your myeloma has come back
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is medicine that kills cancer cells.
You may have chemotherapy for myeloma if:
- your myeloma is causing symptoms
- your myeloma has come back
Steroids
Steroids can treat myeloma and also help chemotherapy and targeted medicines be more effective.
You may have steroids for myeloma if:
- your myeloma is causing symptoms
- you’re having chemotherapy or targeted medicines
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells. A machine is used to target beams of radiation directly at tumours.
You may have radiotherapy for myeloma if:
- you have pain in a certain part of your body (such as your back) that does not get better after other treatments, such as chemotherapy
- painkillers are not working
Stem cell transplant
Stem cell transplants can help your body make new blood plasma cells that work correctly.
When used to treat myeloma, a stem cell transplant usually involves removing and treating cells found in your bone marrow (stem cells). The treated stem cells are then put back into your blood, like a blood transfusion.
You may be considered for a stem cell transplant for myeloma:
- after a course of chemotherapy or targeted medicines
- if you’re in good general health
Bisphosphonates
Myeloma damages and weakens your bones which may be painful, and your bones can break easily. Bisphosphonates are medicines that can stop or slow down damage to your bones.
What happens if you're told your cancer cannot be cured
Myeloma cannot usually be cured and it might be very hard to treat.
The aim of your treatment is often to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.
You will be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team.
They will work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.