Approved Treatments for Myeloma
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help fight off infections and other threats. Although no cure is currently available for most patients, several treatments can help slow the proliferation of these malignant cells and manage symptoms.
Antibody-based therapies
Antibody-based therapies are treatments that use specially engineered antibodies to recognize and target specific proteins on cancer cells. In multiple myeloma, these therapies are designed to find markers commonly present on myeloma cells and help the immune system destroy them.
Blenrep
Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) is an antibody-drug conjugate that’s approved to treat certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions once every three weeks.
Darzalex
Darzalex (daratumumab) is a monoclonal antibody that’s approved to be used as part of several treatment regimens for adults with multiple myeloma. It’s given via into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions at a frequency that varies by treatment regimen.
Darzalex Faspro
Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) is a monoclonal antibody that’s approved to be used as part of several treatment regimens for adults with multiple myeloma and smoldering multiple myeloma. It’s given via under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injections at a frequency that varies by treatment regimen.
Elrexfio
Elrexfio (elranatamab-bcmm) is a bispecific antibody that’s approved to treat certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injections once weekly to once every four weeks after an initial step-up dosing period.
Empliciti
Empliciti (elotuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody that’s approved to be used as part of several combination regimens for certain adults with multiple myeloma. It’s given via into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions once weekly to once every four weeks.
Lynozyfic
Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab-gcpt) is a bispecific antibody that’s approved to treat certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions once weekly to once every four weeks after an initial step-up dosing period.
Sarclisa
Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc) is a monoclonal antibody that’s approved to be used as part of several treatment regimens for adults with multiple myeloma. It’s given via into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions at a frequency that varies by treatment regimen.
Talvey
Talvey (talquetamab-tgvs) is a bispecific antibody that received accelerated approval for the treatment of certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. After an initial step-up dosing period, it is given once or twice weekly via subcutaneous injections.
Tecvayli
Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv) is a bispecific antibody that’s approved to be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) for certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injections once weekly to once every four weeks after an initial step-up dosing period.
Bone-modifying agents
Bone-modifying agents are medications used in multiple myeloma to protect and strengthen bones. Because myeloma cells grow inside the bone marrow, they can damage bone structure, leading to thinning bones, painful lesions, and fractures. These treatments are an important part of supportive care in multiple myeloma, helping protect bone health and reduce the risk of serious complications.
CAR T-cell therapies
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a personalized form of immunotherapy used to treat multiple myeloma. It works by genetically engineering T-cells, usually derived from the patient, to better recognize and attack myeloma cells. CAR T-cell therapies are typically used for patients whose myeloma has returned (relapsed) or has not responded to prior treatments.
Abecma
Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a CAR T-cell therapy that’s approved to treat certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via a one-time into-the-vein (intravenous) infusion.
Carvykti
Carvykti (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is a CAR T-cell therapy that’s approved to treat certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. It’s given via a one-time into-the-vein (intravenous) infusion.
Chemotherapy Agents
Chemotherapy agents are medications that help control multiple myeloma by damaging or destroying cancer cells and preventing them from dividing and growing. While chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, it can also affect some healthy cells, which may lead to side effects. In multiple myeloma, chemotherapy is sometimes used alone but is more commonly given in combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, or proteasome inhibitors.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medications commonly used in multiple myeloma because they can directly kill myeloma cells and reduce inflammation. They are usually given in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, proteasome inhibitors, or antibody-based therapies, to improve effectiveness.
Immunomodulatory Treatments
Immunomodulatory treatments are medications used in multiple myeloma that help the immune system fight cancer. They boost the activity of immune cells, reduce the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor, and lower the production of signals that support myeloma cell growth. These drugs are usually given in combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroids or proteasome inhibitors, to increase their effectiveness.
Pomalyst
Pomalyst (pomalidomide) is an oral immunomodulatory therapy that’s approved for certain adults with multiple myeloma when given in combination with the corticosteroid dexamethasone. It’s available as oral capsules to be taken once daily, with or without food.
Revlimid
Revlimid (lenalidomide) is an oral immunomodulatory therapy that’s approved for certain adults with multiple myeloma when given in combination with the corticosteroid dexamethasone, or as a maintenance therapy following a stem cell transplant. It’s available as oral capsules to be taken once daily, with or without food.
Thalomid
Thalomid (thalidomide) is an oral immunomodulatory treatment that’s approved for people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma when used in combination with the corticosteroid dexamethasone. It is available as oral capsules that patients can take once daily at home.
Proteasome Inhibitors
Proteasome inhibitors are medications used in multiple myeloma that block the cell’s protein recycling system, called the proteasome. Myeloma cells produce large amounts of protein and rely heavily on proteasomes to stay healthy. By preventing the breakdown of proteins, proteasome inhibitors cause harmful protein buildup inside the cancer cells, leading to their death. These drugs are often used in combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroids or immunomodulatory medications.
Kyprolis
Kyprolis (carfilzomib) is a proteasome inhibitor that’s approved for certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, either alone or in combination with other therapies. It is administered by intravenous infusion once or twice weekly.
Ninlaro
Ninlaro (ixazomib) is an oral proteasome inhibitor that’s approved for certain adults with multiple myeloma when given in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and the corticosteroid dexamethasone. It’s available as oral capsules to be taken once weekly on an empty stomach.
Velcade
Velcade (bortezomib) is a proteasome inhibitor approved to treat adults with multiple myeloma, either alone or in combination with other treatments. It is administered as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection, typically once or twice weekly, depending on the treatment regimen.
Other Treatments
Other treatments for multiple myeloma include medications or procedures that don’t fall into the main therapy categories. For example, Xpovio is a newer oral medication that works by blocking proteins that help cancer cells survive, causing them to die. Additional treatments, such as stem cell transplants, may also be used in certain patients.
Xpovio
Xpovio (selinexor) is an oral targeted therapy approved to treat certain adults with multiple myeloma who have previously received other medications. Available as oral tablets, which are usually taken once or twice weekly, it is used in combination with other medications.
