While myeloma treatments can effectively reduce cancer cells and control the disease, it's not considered completely curable yet. More than 90% of people respond to initial treatment, and many achieve remission where signs of cancer are greatly reduced or undetectable. However, current tests can't always detect tiny amounts Show Full Answer
While myeloma treatments can effectively reduce cancer cells and control the disease, it's not considered completely curable yet. More than 90% of people respond to initial treatment, and many achieve remission where signs of cancer are greatly reduced or undetectable. However, current tests can't always detect tiny amounts of cancer cells that might remain.
A true cure would mean:
- No chance of relapse
- No need for further treatment
- No need for follow-up testing Yes, most patients continue maintenance therapy even during remission. Maintenance therapy has evolved over recent years, and newer protocols suggest that longer maintenance therapy may have significant benefits. The goal is to:
- Prolong remission
- Stop disease progression
- Eliminate minimal residual disease
- Maintain quality of life
Studies show maintenance therapy becomes more effective the longer you take it, and many patients stay on it indefinitely as long as they tolerate the medication well.
May 29, 2025