Ajay K. Nooka, MD, Associate Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory School of Medicine, discusses the current treatment landscape for multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer associated with uncontrolled growth of plasma cells. Symptoms of multiple myeloma may include: bone pain (particularly in the chest and spine), frequent infections, weakness or numbness in the legs, fatigue, confusion, excessive thirst, and constipation. While the disease is treatable, relapses are common and some patients are refractory to first line therapies.
As Dr. Nooka explains, there are 5 major classes of multiple myeloma drugs. The first is the immunomodulatory agents which include thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide. The second is the proteasome inhibitors which include bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib. The third major class is the monoclonal antibodies which include daratumumab, isatuximab, and elotuzumab. The fourth group is the export inhibitors which includes selinexor. The fifth major class is the antibody drug conjugates which includes belantamab. CAR T cell therapy is another class of drugs that is used especially for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. According to Dr. Nooka, patients are often initially given drugs in the first three classes of drugs – immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. However, if these drugs are unsuccessful or a patient becomes refractory to these therapies, there is a lack of consensus about which regimen is best.
To learn more about multiple myeloma and other rare cancers, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/cancers/
