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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Are there other treatments that are just as effective as stem cell transplant

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
October 25
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I opted out of SCT because of my age. I've had MM for a year (Stage II) & doing well w/lenolidomide 14 on/14 off. I also do PT & walk 3000-4000 steps a day. I went to a nutritionist for healthy options & also amounts I needed for calories/protein (I lost quite a bit of weight) SCT is a personal choice, my oncologist was disappointed I didn't 😞 do it but ultimately it's up to the patient.

October 25
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Cherish, I was 67 when diagnosed in March '24 will be 70 in a couple of days. I opted out of the SCT even though I was stage 3 because I felt I had to keep working until 70 to afford treatments in retirement and to be able to afford to stay in the Bay Area N. Cal. I went in remission with the 4 drug cocktail they give most of us. And in maintenance with Revlimid & Darzalex faspro for about 2 years. I am now in deep remission and off all meds for 4 months. The only thing I really did was exercise the entire time and now in remission am doing even more exercise but nothing extreme, feel great.

7 days ago
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you for your insight. It helps in decision making.

October 26
MyMyelomaTeam

Are there other treatments that are just as effective as a stem cell transplant for myeloma? It's a great question, and the answer depends on individual factors like age, health, and how the myeloma is behaving.

While stem cell transplants have long been a cornerstone of myeloma treatment, newer therapies have shown Show Full Answer

Are there other treatments that are just as effective as a stem cell transplant for myeloma? It's a great question, and the answer depends on individual factors like age, health, and how the myeloma is behaving.

While stem cell transplants have long been a cornerstone of myeloma treatment, newer therapies have shown impressive results and may be comparable or even preferable for some people. Here are some key options:

- Proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) combined with other drugs have shown strong responses
- Immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., lenalidomide) are widely used and well-tolerated
- Monoclonal antibodies are engineered proteins that target and destroy myeloma cells
- CAR T-cell therapy is approved for relapsed or refractory myeloma and uses your own immune cells to fight the cancer
- Maintenance therapy with lenalidomide after transplant has sustained remission for over 57 months in 50% of patients studied The landscape of myeloma treatment is evolving quickly, and what works best is very individual. A hematologist-oncologist (a doctor specializing in blood cancers) can help weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your specific situation.

October 25

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