What should I do if multiple myeloma relapses?

Multiple myeloma relapsed? Are you feeling panic and depressed all day? Today, research on multiple myeloma is progressing very rapidly. Patients should have confidence in their ability to overcome the disease and do not need to be overly afraid.

After bone marrow transplantation, patients with multiple myeloma must undergo regular checkups. It is generally recommended to have a checkup every three months or so, mainly to conduct blood and bone marrow tests, as well as imaging tests to observe whether the myeloma recurs.

Q: Is relapse common in multiple myeloma?

Theoretically, whether it is chemotherapy alone or transplantation, multiple myeloma will relapse 100%. However, compared with chemotherapy alone, transplantation can delay relapse, which can delay the relapse time by 1 to 2 years.

Q: What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma relapse?

The symptoms of most multiple myeloma relapses are similar to those of the initial onset, such as bone pain, anemia, renal insufficiency, etc. However, some patients mainly show symptoms of extramedullary plasmacytoma when they relapse.

However, a large number of studies have shown that consolidation and maintenance therapy after chemotherapy or transplantation can reduce recurrence, usually with thalidomide or thalidomide plus glucocorticoids. The duration and duration of consolidation and maintenance therapy are still inconclusive and need further clinical research. Currently, consolidation and maintenance therapy is generally performed 3 to 4 times, or for a year.

Q: What should I do if multiple myeloma relapses?

If multiple myeloma relapses early, within two years of chemotherapy or transplantation, you may need to switch chemotherapy and continue to try stem cell transplantation.

If the patient's disease relapses two years after remission, chemotherapy is still needed, similar to the treatment plan for the initial onset. If the patient's physical condition allows, autologous stem cell transplantation can be performed again.

Q: What should patients with multiple myeloma pay attention to during treatment?

Patients should pay attention to the following points during treatment:

First, make a clear diagnosis. In addition to basic blood biochemical tests, diagnosis of multiple myeloma also requires bone marrow puncture, 24-hour immunoglobulin measurement, chromosome examination, FISH examination, etc. These tests are very important and are critical to the diagnosis of the disease and the assessment of prognosis.

Second, standardize treatment. There are three aspects that need to be emphasized:

1. Prefer treatment options containing new drugs, such as bortezomib, lenalidomide, thalidomide, etc.

2. Autologous stem cell transplantation has a significant effect on delaying recurrence. Patients who can withstand autologous stem cell transplantation are recommended to undergo transplantation treatment;

3. Multiple myeloma can cause many complications. Patients should pay great attention to the treatment of complications to improve their quality of life.

Third, patients should have regular follow-up examinations and follow-up visits after treatment. If the disease relapses, don’t panic too much, and fight the disease together with the doctor!