0
0
Health experts have hailed significant advancements in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a once-dreaded disease characterized by a grim prognosis, citing improved outcomes and extended survival rates for patients.
Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer originating from plasma cells found in bone marrow and blood, was historically associated with short lifespans and limited treatment options. However, recent medical breakthroughs, including bone marrow transplants, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy, have revolutionized the landscape of multiple myeloma treatment.
Rahul Bhargava, Director of the Department of Clinical Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, emphasized the effectiveness of bone marrow transplants in treating multiple myeloma. “Despite its complexities, multiple myeloma can still be cured. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a key component of treatment, involves collecting stem cells from the patient or a donor,” Bhargava explained.
Ashish Gupta, an expert in multiple myeloma and Chief of Medical Oncology at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre, Delhi, highlighted the transformative impact of newer therapies like immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy. “Advancements in these methods have significantly improved treatment outcomes, extending survival to more than 7-8 years and even beyond a decade in many cases,” Gupta stated. He emphasized the importance of bone marrow transplants in further enhancing survival rates, particularly when performed within a hospital setting.
Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include unexplained kidney failure, back pain accompanied by bone fractures, and persistent anemia, fatigue, and urinary infections.
Gupta noted the evolving landscape of multiple myeloma treatment, emphasizing the reduced side effects associated with modern medications. “Patients now experience longer survival rates without the distressing side effect of hair loss,” he remarked. Additionally, advancements in drug administration, such as the shift from intravenous to subcutaneous injections and oral medications, have greatly improved patient comfort and quality of life.
Bhargava stressed the importance of early intervention in maximizing the success of bone marrow transplants for multiple myeloma patients. “Timely treatment significantly impacts clinical outcomes, with a remarkable 90 percent recovery rate observed in patients who undergo treatment within the recommended timeframe,” he explained.
The strides made in multiple myeloma treatment underscore the transformative power of medical innovation in combating once-debilitating diseases, offering hope and improved quality of life to patients battling this form of blood cancer.
