The odds are actually quite encouraging! More than 90% of people with myeloma respond to their first round of treatment, meaning the disease shrinks or becomes less active. Most of those people achieve some level of remission. There are two types of remission to be aware of:
- Partial remission — Some myeloma cells remain Show Full Answer
The odds are actually quite encouraging! More than 90% of people with myeloma respond to their first round of treatment, meaning the disease shrinks or becomes less active. Most of those people achieve some level of remission. There are two types of remission to be aware of:
- Partial remission — Some myeloma cells remain, but the disease is less active and symptoms improve
- Complete remission — No myeloma is detected in blood tests or imaging scans, though tiny amounts of cells may still exist
Even in complete remission, myeloma isn't always fully gone — it's more that it's under control. That's why regular checkups and follow-up testing remain important. The challenge, especially in advanced myeloma, is maintaining remission long-term. That said, advances in treatment mean a growing number of people do achieve long-lasting remission. Some may also continue on maintenance therapy — a lower-dose, ongoing treatment — to help keep the disease from returning.
It's always worth having an open conversation with an oncologist about what remission might look like based on individual circumstances.
August 7
Join
Your Privacy Choices
