Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options in Central New York
Because not all patients are treated immediately, a treatment plan may be delayed until your oncologist feels the cancer has progressed to the point that treatment will be effective. At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, our hematologist-oncologists will guide you through your treatment options, carefully considering the benefits, risks, and potential side effects.
The best treatment approach for you largely depends on the stage of your disease and whether you have symptoms. If you or a loved one has received a treatment plan for multiple myeloma and would like a second opinion, our team will meet to review our recommendations with you. Insurance often covers a second opinion appointment.
Watchful Waiting
Some patients can delay the start of treatments if they’re not currently experiencing any active symptoms, a condition referred to as smoldering myeloma. In such cases, your hematologic oncologist might suggest active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring your condition so you can start treatment right away if you develop symptoms.
Induction Therapy as First-Line Treatment
Infusion therapy for multiple myeloma is a treatment approach that uses a combination of IV or injectable medications to destroy cancer cells, reduce symptoms, and help patients stay in remission longer. The most common systemic treatment for the first line of treatment is called induction therapy, combining four types of drugs for the most effective outcome.
- Monoclonal antibodies, a type of immunotherapy, help the immune system find and destroy myeloma cells by binding to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. Once attached, the immune system can recognize and attack the cells more effectively.
- Proteasome inhibitors are considered a type of targeted therapy because they target a specific process inside myeloma cells. Cancer cells create large amounts of waste proteins. Proteasome inhibitors block the cell’s ability to remove this waste, causing the cancer cell to die.
- Immunomodulatory drugs, or IMiDs, are also considered a form of immunotherapy because they help activate and strengthen the immune system. They also slow myeloma cell growth and make it harder for cancer cells to survive in the bone marrow.
- Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, help directly kill myeloma cells while reducing inflammation and improving the effectiveness of other medications. Steroids are an important part of most myeloma treatment plans.
These drugs are given to reduce the load of cancer cells quickly and to push the cancer into remission. It’s also helpful in preventing multiple myeloma from recurring. Our highly trained oncology nurses oversee the infusion of this drug combination and monitor patients for side effects that may occur during treatment.
Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs) for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
This newer class of artificial antibodies, known as bispecific antibodies, links the cancer cell to the immunotherapy drug, directly delivering treatment and destroying the cancer cell. Several bispecific therapies are FDA-approved for multiple myeloma after induction therapy was used and was not successful. This new category of immunotherapy drugs was made possible through clinical research trials, like those conducted at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY.
Car T-cell Therapy
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a groundbreaking immunotherapy that enables the immune system to identify and target cancer cells. This approach is also considered a type of cell-based gene therapy since it modifies the genes within immune cells to enhance their cancer-fighting abilities. The CAR T-cell therapies used to treat multiple myeloma include idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel, both of which target the BCMA protein found in myeloma cells.
Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cell transplantation involves administering high-dose chemotherapy to kill cancer cells in the bone marrow, where new blood cells, including plasma cells, are made. Following chemotherapy, patients receive an infusion of healthy blood-forming stem cells to replace those destroyed. This treatment is generally not the first treatment recommendation unless myeloma is diagnosed in advanced stages and other treatments have been ineffective.
Clinical Trials for Multiple Myeloma in the Syracuse Area
At Hematology-Oncology Associates, we are committed to advancing the treatment of multiple myeloma through access to innovative clinical trials. You don’t have to travel long distances to participate in clinical trials that provide access to emerging multiple myeloma treatments. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk with a member of your HOA care team to see if you qualify.
Learn more about clinical trials available at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY.
Find Personalized Multiple Myeloma Treatment Close to Home
Patients with multiple myeloma in the Syracuse area can receive expert care from hematology specialists at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY without needing to travel far. We focus on personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and provide second opinions on existing treatment recommendations.
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care for blood cancers, including multiple myeloma. Our approach ensures that every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on the latest advancements in myeloma therapy. With a dedicated team, comprehensive diagnostic imaging, cutting-edge treatment options, access to clinical research trials, an in-house pharmacy and laboratory, and a post-treatment survivorship program, HOA offers state-of-the-art care for patients with multiple myeloma in Central New York, including access to our Wellness Center.
Request an appointment at one of our centers in Central New York for a consultation. We offer cancer treatment services to patients in the Syracuse area, including Camillus and all of Onondaga County; Auburn, and the rest of Cayuga County; Cortland County; Herkimer County, Jefferson County – including Watertown; Madison County – including Oneida; Oneida County – including Utica and Verona; and Oswego County – including Fulton and Oswego.
