Are you wondering about maintenance therapy for myeloma? Here's a helpful overview!
Maintenance therapy is the treatment phase that follows initial (induction) therapy and, if applicable, a stem cell transplant. Its main goals are to:
- Keep myeloma in remission as long as possible
- Eliminate any remaining myeloma cells Show Full Answer
Are you wondering about maintenance therapy for myeloma? Here's a helpful overview!
Maintenance therapy is the treatment phase that follows initial (induction) therapy and, if applicable, a stem cell transplant. Its main goals are to:
- Keep myeloma in remission as long as possible
- Eliminate any remaining myeloma cells in the body
- Support quality of life by minimizing side effects How long does it last?
There's no strict rule on duration. Many doctors recommend staying on maintenance therapy indefinitely — until no myeloma cells are detectable (called MRD-negative status) — as long as side effects remain manageable. Common maintenance drugs include:
- Lenalidomide (Revlimid) — the most widely used; generally well tolerated
- Daratumumab (Darzalex) — a monoclonal antibody, often used for higher-risk myeloma
Possible side effects include changes in blood counts and an increased risk of blood clots. Always discuss side effects with your oncologist. Sticking to your plan matters a lot.
Research shows around 30% of people don't follow their maintenance plan as prescribed, which raises the risk of relapse. If finances, side effects, or other challenges make it hard to stay on track, reach out to your healthcare team — support and financial assistance may be available.
June 4
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