Digital Guide: Initial Treatment of Multiple Myeloma - Ann Arbor

FISH testing can give doctors insight into the genetic makeup of an individual's multiple myeloma. This helps doctors assess a patient's risk and choose a course of treatment.

The first step in treating multiple myeloma is called induction therapy. Though there is variation, most patients' induction therapy regimen will include three drugs: proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulator, and a steroid.

Most patients being treated for multiple myeloma will undergo a stem cell transplant, but some may not be able to tolerate the procedure. Some of the main factors that determine whether or not a patient is eligible for a stem cell transplant include age, general fitness, and other health conditions.

Stem cell transplants aim to help a patient recover from the loss of blood cells they experience while being treated for multiple myeloma. Some of the patient's blood-making stem cells are removed before induction therapy, and then put back into the body after induction to help the patient generate new cells.

Dr. Jing Ye discusses the possibility of multiple myeloma patients achieving lasting remission without a stem cell transplant.