Myeloma is a smart cancer it can develop new clones that are resistant to our drugs.
October 21, 2025
Most people with multiple myeloma respond well to their first-line therapy for about 2-3 years before experiencing a relapse. This happens regardless of how effective the initial treatment may be. The disease can become harder to treat over time, as some myeloma cells may become resistant to treatment.
When relapse occurs Show Full Answer
Most people with multiple myeloma respond well to their first-line therapy for about 2-3 years before experiencing a relapse. This happens regardless of how effective the initial treatment may be. The disease can become harder to treat over time, as some myeloma cells may become resistant to treatment.
When relapse occurs, it means either:
• The disease stops improving or worsens during treatment
• Improvements stop within 60 days after treatment
• Minimal response isn't achieved with therapy The good news is that if you relapse more than 6 months after trying a treatment, your doctor may be able to use that same therapy again. However, if relapse occurs within 6 months, a different treatment approach may be needed.
There are constantly new and more effective treatments being developed that can help people with relapsed myeloma live longer and maintain better quality of life.
October 17, 2025