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I been on Revlimid for 4 months and now pet can and bone marrow biopsy doesn’t show any cancer . Do I still need a stem cell transplant ?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Clifton Park, NY
February 23
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Do you still need Revlimid? I've been off all Chemo for 16 years.

February 24
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

It doesn’t sound like you are high risk. You responded well.
Paula 🌹

February 23
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I was turned down for Stem Cell May 2008, and what's more, she gave me "maybe six months" after I asked. I've been off all Chemo since 2010 and visit my Oncologist annually by video phone after bloodwork. I do take something for blood pressure.
I'm 84, and MM messed up my back and took both knees. Kyphoplasty pretty much fixed my back pain.
In 15 years and change, I'll be 100. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it.

February 23
MyMyelomaTeam

Do you still need a stem cell transplant after achieving remission on Revlimid?

That's wonderful news that your PET scan and bone marrow biopsy show no cancer! However, the decision about whether to proceed with a stem cell transplant depends on your individual treatment plan and your doctor's recommendations.

Even when Show Full Answer

Do you still need a stem cell transplant after achieving remission on Revlimid?

That's wonderful news that your PET scan and bone marrow biopsy show no cancer! However, the decision about whether to proceed with a stem cell transplant depends on your individual treatment plan and your doctor's recommendations.

Even when tests show no visible cancer, there may still be minimal residual disease (MRD) — small numbers of myeloma cells that remain after treatment. A stem cell transplant is often part of the standard treatment approach because it can help extend remission and improve long-term outcomes.

Research shows that people who had an early stem cell transplant stayed in remission for about five and a half years before the cancer returned. This is significantly longer than treatment without transplant.

Your oncologist will consider several factors:
- Your overall health and fitness for transplant
- The specific characteristics of your myeloma
- Your response to Revlimid
- Whether you're eligible for transplant
- Your personal preferences and goals

This is definitely a conversation to have with your healthcare team. They can explain why a transplant may still be recommended even with these excellent results, or discuss alternative approaches if transplant isn't the best option for your situation.

February 23

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