How long does an induction therapy cycle typically last for multiple myeloma?
Induction therapy is the first phase of treatment after a myeloma diagnosis. The goal is to get the myeloma under control by reducing cancerous plasma cells as quickly as possible. Most people go through four to six cycles of chemotherapy during Show Full Answer
How long does an induction therapy cycle typically last for multiple myeloma?
Induction therapy is the first phase of treatment after a myeloma diagnosis. The goal is to get the myeloma under control by reducing cancerous plasma cells as quickly as possible. Most people go through four to six cycles of chemotherapy during induction, which generally lasts around four to six months in total. Some medications are taken daily, while others are taken weekly — it depends on the specific drug combination prescribed.
Common drug combinations used during induction include:
- Daratumumab, lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (a popular four-drug "quadruplet" regimen)
- Carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone
- Cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone
- Thalidomide, bortezomib, daratumumab, and dexamethasone
After induction therapy is complete, a stem cell transplant may be considered, followed by maintenance therapy to help keep the myeloma under control for as long as possible.
Every treatment plan is tailored individually, so it's always worth having a detailed conversation with an oncologist about what to expect from the specific regimen being used.
July 26
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