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Relapse after 1 year of autologous stem cell Transplant + D-VRD Therapy

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭

Hi Community,

My mother, 58 years old, was diagnosed with High Risk Myeloma (del 17p, 13q) in September 2024. We started the Darazalex + Bortizomib + Lenalidomide + Dexamethasone (D-Vrd) treatment regime. It was followed by an autologous stem cell transplant in Feb 2025.

Just after one year, Jan 2026, she started complaining of back pain again (nerve pulling sensation). We admitted her under Neurosurgeon and after surgery, a tumor was removed from her lower back (near T12 vertebrae).

… read more

February 16 (edited)
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Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you Leslie, i hope we come out of this phase like you did.

February 17
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Ashutosh, don't give up hope. Somehow, I made it out of the dark place where your mother is. In 2008, May I was given six months after being turned down for Stem Cell. It's been since 2010 that I've been given Chemo. I lost 6" in height and both knees to this disease. I talk to my Oncologist by video phone, and have for the past seven years. During our last conversation, he said YOU"RE CURED. Typing that made my eyes fill. I'm now 84, shooting for 100. I'm wrong a lot, but I don't lie.

February 17
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Overwhelming is an understatement. I'm truly sorry. Prayers she can keep her strength up for additional treatments and that gets a complete long response to the newer treatments. Please remember to take care of yourself. 💖🙏

February 17
MyMyelomaTeam

How should someone handle an early relapse after stem cell transplant and what does it mean for treatment options?

I'm truly sorry you and your mother are going through this. An early relapse after transplant is understandably overwhelming, but it's important to know that treatment options still exist.

Early relapse Show Full Answer

How should someone handle an early relapse after stem cell transplant and what does it mean for treatment options?

I'm truly sorry you and your mother are going through this. An early relapse after transplant is understandably overwhelming, but it's important to know that treatment options still exist.

Early relapse (within a year of transplant) does indicate more aggressive disease, especially with high-risk features like del 17p. However, this doesn't mean there's no path forward. Your doctors are responding appropriately by adjusting the treatment plan.

The combination your doctors suggested makes sense:

* Radiation therapy can effectively target the plasmacytoma site, helping prevent further nerve compression and reducing pain
* Teclistamab represents a newer class of therapy that works differently than your mother's initial treatment, which is important when myeloma returns quickly

After an early relapse, doctors reevaluate based on overall health, previous therapies used, and how long remission lasted. The goal is to regain control of the disease while maintaining quality of life.

It's completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Many MyMyelomaTeam members have faced early relapses and found that newer therapies helped them achieve remission again. Consider asking your oncology team about support resources and what to expect with the new treatment plan.

February 16

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