Maintenance therapy is a long-term treatment used after initial treatment (like high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant) to keep myeloma in remission for as long as possible. The goal is to eliminate any remaining myeloma cells and prevent the disease from coming back. There are several types of drugs commonly Show Full Answer
Maintenance therapy is a long-term treatment used after initial treatment (like high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant) to keep myeloma in remission for as long as possible. The goal is to eliminate any remaining myeloma cells and prevent the disease from coming back. There are several types of drugs commonly used in maintenance therapy:
- Immunomodulators – such as lenalidomide (Revlimid), which is one of the most widely used due to being generally well-tolerated
- Proteasome inhibitors – such as bortezomib (Velcade) or ixazomib (Ninlaro), often used for higher-risk myeloma
- Monoclonal antibodies – such as daratumumab (Darzalex), sometimes used after a bone marrow transplant
- Corticosteroids – such as dexamethasone or prednisone, often used alongside other therapies How long maintenance therapy lasts varies from person to person. Many doctors now recommend staying on it indefinitely — as long as side effects are manageable — because research suggests it becomes more effective the longer it's taken. Sticking to your maintenance therapy plan is really important. Research shows that around 30% of people with myeloma don't follow their plan as prescribed, which can increase the risk of relapse. If side effects, finances, or other challenges are making it hard to stay on track, reaching out to your healthcare team is a great first step — they may be able to help or connect you with financial assistance.
May 18
Join
Your Privacy Choices
