Starting induction therapy can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can help. The goal of this first phase of treatment is to get myeloma under control as quickly and completely as possible — reducing cancerous plasma cells and protecting your organs. Most people begin with a combination of three or four drugs working Show Full Answer
Starting induction therapy can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can help. The goal of this first phase of treatment is to get myeloma under control as quickly and completely as possible — reducing cancerous plasma cells and protecting your organs. Most people begin with a combination of three or four drugs working together to attack myeloma in different ways, making it harder for cancer cells to resist. The most common combination includes:
- Daratumumab (Darzalex)
- Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
- Bortezomib (Velcade)
- Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid)
Other combinations may be used depending on your health, age, and specific situation. Side effects vary from person to person, but common ones to be aware of include fatigue, nausea, and changes in blood counts. It's important to communicate openly with your care team about any symptoms — there's no need to tough it out, as there are medications to help manage side effects. Your doctor will monitor how well the treatment is working through regular tests, including checking M protein levels, blood counts, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy. These help guide any adjustments to your plan.
After induction therapy, depending on your response and eligibility, a stem cell transplant or maintenance therapy may be discussed as next steps.
August 14
Join
Your Privacy Choices
