Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that affects your plasma cells; these are responsible for the production of antibodies found in bone marrow. Due to these cancerous plasma cells, your immune system will get impacted and can lead to a serious health complication.

Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma is a new revolution in the field of treatment, apart from the traditional treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplant that often develop some side effects. 

What is Targeted Therapy for Multiple Myeloma?

Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma uses some drugs to target specific molecules (proteins) or genetic mutations that stimulate the progression of cancer cells. The primary goal of this treatment is to target your healthy cells and leave your normal cells. 

What are the Types of Targeted Therapy?

There are various types of drugs used as targeted therapy for multiple myeloma treatment.

Proteasome Inhibitors

In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells are becoming highly dependent on proteosomes to survive and grow. Proteosomes are present in the cells that are responsible for breaking down damaged or unneeded cells. Proteosome inhibitors like bortezomib (Velcade) and carfilzomib (Kyprolis) are used to block proteosomes; thus, there will be an accumulation of toxic proteins in the cancer cells, hence leading to the death. 

Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are molecules that are lab-grown and mimic the immune system to fight off harmful pathogens, like cancer cells. In multiple myeloma, daratumumab (Darzalex) and elotuzumab (Empliciti) are examples of monoclonal antibodies that are used to target specific markers on the myeloma cells. 

Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMiDs)

Immunomodulatory drugs are used to boost your immune system to fight against the myeloma cells. Some of the immunomodulatory drugs are pomalidomide (Pomalyst) and thalidomide (Thalomid). 

Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors

HDAC inhibitors, such as panobinostat (Farydak), are used to block myeloma cell growth and also induce the apoptosis of cancerous cells. This is often given in the combination of other therapies like proteosome inhibitors to improve your conditions. 

Targeting B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)

B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) is found on the surface of the myeloma cells; thus, new drugs are developing to target, kill, and inhibit the growth of myeloma cells. 

Benefits of Targeted Therapy for Multiple Myeloma 

If you are getting targeted therapy for multiple myeloma, there are various significant benefits. 

• Precision and Effectiveness: Targeted therapy drugs target only cancer cells and leave healthy cells.
• Less side effects: As this therapy targets only cancerous cells, thus has fewer side effects
• Improve survival rates: These are designed in such a way that they will improve your life with fewer complications.
• Synergy with other treatments: Targeted therapy often has a longer period of remission when used in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy. 

Also Read:- Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

As you know, targeted therapy for multiple myeloma has fewer side effects than traditional treatments. Yet drugs do have some of the common risks. 

These may include, 

• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Cough
• Constipation
• Easy bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Swelling on your hands
• Shortness of breath

Belantamab mafodotin carries a  “black box” warning because it can damage your cornea (the transparent surface of the eye); thus, it has the FDA’s strict warning and can only get by a program (BLENREP Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies). 

Also Read:- Targeted Therapy Cost in India

Conclusion

Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma is an advanced therapy, offering a more focused, effective approach. Now patients have more options for the multiple myeloma treatment other than the older one, like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant. This approach is providing new hope for many patients, improving their quality of life. 

At Medsurge India, we are dedicated to helping patients find the best possible medical care in India. We have an expert medical team,  provide comprehensive care, affordable treatment options, medical visa assistance, state-of-the-art facilities, multilingual support, and a positive patient experience.