Overview
Relapsed or Refractory Active Multiple Myeloma is when your multiple myeloma has either returned after initial treatment or has stopped responding to treatment, and the disease is actively progressing despite previous therapies.
Understanding your Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.
- Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
- Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Overview
Relapsed Active Multiple Myeloma diagnosis means that your multiple myeloma was initially treated and responded to therapy, but the disease has returned after a period of remission or stable disease.
What tests will I need and Why?
A Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and risk level is determined using a variety of tests to see how advanced the condition is and whether it’s likely to progress. Here’s an overview of the main tests:
Blood Tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks for low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can indicate bone marrow issues.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) measures the level of abnormal proteins being produced by cancerous plasma cells.
Calcium Levels to determine if bone damage has been caused by multiple myeloma.
Creatinine Levels assess kidney function, which can be affected by multiple myeloma.
Urine Tests: find any abnormal proteins which are produced by abnormal plasma cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: primarily used to check the percentage of abnormal plasma cells verses normal plasma cells and to perform genetic testing to look for genetic abnormalities that may be linked to higher risk.
Imaging Tests: An X-ray, MRI and Pet Scan look for any bone damage or active disease.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-active-myeloma
Overview
A Refractory Active Multiple Myeloma diagnosis means that your multiple myeloma is actively progressing and has not responded to previous treatments, even after completing multiple treatments.
What tests will I need and Why?
A Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and risk level is determined using a variety of tests to see how advanced the condition is and whether it’s likely to progress. Here’s an overview of the main tests:
Blood Tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks for low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can indicate bone marrow issues.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) measures the level of abnormal proteins being produced by cancerous plasma cells.
Calcium Levels to determine if bone damage has been caused by multiple myeloma.
Creatinine Levels assess kidney function, which can be affected by multiple myeloma.
Urine Tests: find any abnormal proteins which are produced by abnormal plasma cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: primarily used to check the percentage of abnormal plasma cells verses normal plasma cells and to perform genetic testing to look for genetic abnormalities that may be linked to higher risk.
Imaging Tests: An X-ray, MRI and Pet Scan look for any bone damage or active disease.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
Replay this Audio as often as needed and then take a look at our Commonly Searched Questions below.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-active-myeloma
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Commonly Searched Questions
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Definition
Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma refers to a situation where the disease either returns (relapses) after a period of remission, or does not respond (refractory) to treatment. In relapsed myeloma, the cancer cells start to grow again after initially being controlled by treatment. In refractory multiple myeloma, the disease does not respond to the therapies that were previously effective, or it becomes resistant to treatment. Both relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma can be challenging to manage, and treatment typically involves using different combinations of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or stem cell transplants to control the disease and manage symptoms.
Cancer.org
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma symptoms are similar to those of active multiple myeloma and may include:
- Bone pain, often in the back, ribs, or hips, due to bone damage or fractures.
- Fatigue and weakness from anemia, caused by a decrease in red blood cells.
- Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure, caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins produced by the myeloma cells.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs or other neurological symptoms, often due to spinal cord compression from bone damage.
These symptoms can worsen as the disease progresses or if it becomes resistant to treatment, requiring new or more intensive therapeutic approaches. Regular monitoring and prompt intervention are important for managing relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Cancer.org
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Prevention
There is no known way to prevent relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The recurrence or resistance to treatment in multiple myeloma occurs due to the nature of the disease, where myeloma cells can evolve and become resistant to therapies over time. While factors such as maintaining overall health and following treatment plans can help manage the disease, relapses or treatment resistance are unfortunately common. The focus is on monitoring the disease closely, adjusting treatment strategies as needed, and improving quality of life for patients through ongoing care and support.
Cancer.org
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Treatment
The treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma typically involves a combination of therapies, as the disease may not respond to the initial treatment. Common approaches include:
- Chemotherapy: New chemotherapy drugs may be used if previous ones are no longer effective.
- Immunotherapy: Medications that help stimulate the immune system to attack myeloma cells.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth of myeloma cells.
- Stem cell transplant: A procedure to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, often used in relapsed cases.
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and help control disease progression.
The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the patient’s previous response to therapy, the specific characteristics of the myeloma, and overall health. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are key to managing relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Cancer.org
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Recurrence Rate
Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is a condition where the disease either returns (relapses) after initial treatment or does not respond (refractory) to ongoing treatment. The recurrence rate for multiple myeloma can vary depending on individual factors, including the type of treatment initially used, the response to therapy, and the specific characteristics of the disease. Relapsed multiple myeloma is common, as the disease often becomes resistant to treatment over time. The recurrence rate is high, and many patients experience multiple relapses throughout the course of their disease. The goal of treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma is to manage symptoms, control disease progression, and improve quality of life, but complete remission is challenging to achieve in these cases. Newer treatments continue to improve outcomes and extend survival for many patients.
Cancer.org
Relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma Survival Rate
The survival rate for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma can vary depending on several factors, including how well the disease responds to subsequent treatments, the patient’s overall health, and the specific characteristics of the myeloma. While the disease is difficult to cure once it becomes relapsed or refractory, advancements in treatment—such as newer chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants—have significantly improved survival rates for many patients. However, relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma remains a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment and management, and survival rates are generally lower than for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Because multiple relapses are common, the prognosis depends on the patient’s response to second- or third-line therapies and the ability to manage complications.
Cancer.org
