Multiple Myeloma: Ann Arbor
SurvivorNet has collaborated with patients and physicians to provide patients in Ann Arbor, Michigan with helpful information and support during their multiple myeloma journey. We hope these resources make it easier to connect with people in your neighborhood who can help.
Multiple Myeloma Survivor Inspires With Treatment Story
Gerry Auth's cancer journey began before he was even diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The 77-year-old resident of Ann Arbor, Mich., was first introduced to multiple myeloma in November 2012 after an oncologist diagnosed him with MGUS, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. This condition, in which an ab... Read More
- The first step in treating multiple myeloma is called induction therapy.
- Most patients' induction therapy regimen will include three drugs: proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulator, and a steroid. Some may receive a monoclonal antibody.
- Some of the factors a doctor will consider in recommending drugs include the age, overall health, and stem cell transplant eligibility.
Multiple Myeloma Induction Therapy Guide for Ann Arbor
- The first step in treating multiple myeloma is called induction therapy.
- Most patients’ induction therapy regimen will include three drugs: proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulator, and a steroid. Some may receive a monoclonal antibody.
- Some of the factors a doctor will consider in recommending drugs include the age, overall health, and stem cell transplant eligibility.
Side Effects Associated With Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Treatment can allow someone with "incurable" multiple myeloma to live a long, happy life. But that doesn't mean there aren't side effects. Still, there are ways to mitigate them. Dr. Tareq Al Baghdadi, a medical oncologist and hematologist at St. Joe's Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, spoke with SurvivorNet abo... Read More
- Most patients will receive a stem cell transplant as the second step in the treatment, though some may not be eligible, and some may choose to delay it.
- In preparation for a stem cell transplant, some of a patient’s stem cells will be removed, frozen, and stored.
- After induction therapy, these blood-making cells will be reintroduced into the body to help the patient recover.
What You Need to Know About Stem Cell Transplant in Ann Arbor
- Most patients will receive a stem cell transplant as the second step in the treatment, though some may not be eligible, and some may choose to delay it.
- In preparation for a stem cell transplant, some of a patient’s stem cells will be removed, frozen, and stored.
- After induction therapy, these blood-making cells will be reintroduced into the body to help the patient recover.
- The term "maintenance therapy" means the treatment is aiming to keep the patient in a state of remission.
- The standard of care for multiple myeloma maintenance therapy is the immunotherapy drug lenalidomide (brand name: Revlimid).
- Even when multiple myeloma is in remission, doctors will continue to search for indications that some cancer cells are lurking in the bloodstream.
Maintenance Therapy for Multiple Myeloma in Ann Arbor
- The term “maintenance therapy†means the treatment is aiming to keep the patient in a state of remission.
- The standard of care for multiple myeloma maintenance therapy is the immunotherapy drug lenalidomide (brand name: Revlimid).
- Even when multiple myeloma is in remission, doctors will continue to search for indications that some cancer cells are lurking in the bloodstream.
- The first relapse of multiple myeloma is usually treated with a new combination of medications.
- The course of multiple myeloma is usually one that cycles through periods of remission and relapse.
- With each subsequent relapse, the challenge to treat the disease effectively grows more complicated, because the cancer can become resistant to some medications.
Managing a Multiple Myeloma Relapse in Ann Arbor
- The first relapse of multiple myeloma is usually treated with a new combination of medications.
- The course of multiple myeloma is usually one that cycles through periods of remission and relapse.
- With each subsequent relapse, the challenge to treat the disease effectively grows more complicated, because the cancer can become resistant to some medications.
The Importance of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer new hope for multiple myeloma patients. Advanced therapies are being developed that are specifically designed to fight cancer cells by interfering with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer. These investigational cancer drugs are different from most current... Read More
