Monitoring during myeloma treatment is ongoing and continuous — it doesn't really stop. The goal is to track how well treatment is working and catch any signs of relapse early. Here are the key types of monitoring typically used:
- Blood tests — These measure M-protein (an abnormal protein made by myeloma cells) and are Show Full Answer
Monitoring during myeloma treatment is ongoing and continuous — it doesn't really stop. The goal is to track how well treatment is working and catch any signs of relapse early. Here are the key types of monitoring typically used:
- Blood tests — These measure M-protein (an abnormal protein made by myeloma cells) and are the most common way to track treatment response
- Bone marrow biopsy — Checks for myeloma cells directly in the bone marrow
- Imaging tests — PET/CT scans and MRIs help assess bone damage and disease activity
- MRD testing — A more sensitive test using advanced technology to detect any remaining myeloma cells after treatment
The frequency of these tests will vary depending on where someone is in their treatment journey and how they are responding. Your oncologist will set the schedule based on your specific situation. It's also worth knowing that monitoring doesn't just focus on the myeloma itself — it also keeps an eye on side effects from treatment, helping to prevent serious complications before they develop.
When in doubt, asking your care team how often they plan to test and what they're looking for is always a great idea!
July 25
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