There are new therapeutic options for refractory myeloma (which refers to myeloma that is not responsive to standard therapy or that fails to continue a response after a relapse) and relapsed myeloma (which recurs after a period of remission).

In a video for oncology professionals, Natalie Callander, MD, professor (CHS), described newly-available treatment regimens for multiple myeloma. 

"Within the last two and a half years, a number of individual drugs as well as combinations have been FDA-approved for use," including combination therapies for which clinical trials have shown excellent response rates up to 93 percent of patients. 

"We've got an embarrassment of riches [for treating multiple myeloma]," said Dr. Callander.

Resources:

• "Updates in the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma," Targeted Oncology, November 16, 2017