Should all multiple myeloma patients look into stem cell transplant?

Posted by rprice0519 @rprice0519, Jun 26, 2024

Do all multiple myeloma patients check to see if they are a candidate for stem cell transplant?

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Profile picture for jtcat7 @jtcat7

79 years-old here...Diagnosed at 78. Was 3 years too old for stem cell transplant and prior colon cancer and Widowmaker stents made me a 40% risk of not surviving the recovery period.
I was told the cost is about $400k.

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@jtcat7 Yes, cancer treatment is very expensive. I was 63 when diagnosed and had my SCT shortly after turning 64. I was in good health except for being diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have good insurance which was a godsend. There are different treatment lines for MM. Some people opt not to do a transplant even if they are healthy enough to do so. I hope you and your doctor have found a plan that is working for you. Keep hoping for the cure. This is a tough journey. I will keep you in my prayers.

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Profile picture for smiles1951 @smiles1951

I opted to continue treatments because my oncologist said there are many. At Stage 1 I was only a tad tired and the first blood test showed anemia which I have never been anemic in my life. I eat correctly, exercise, and the only factor re: the Multiple Myeloma was I had just turned 70. Best success with your decision and your future health.

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@smiles1951 I hope you’re doing well!
I’m 72 and recently diagnosed. I’m starting my 3rd round of chemo and doing well. I too am healthy. Stem cell transplant has been suggested and I’m trying to research and weigh the options. Your post was 2 years ago. What are your thoughts today about transplant?

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I’m female, 72 and recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Other than MM, I’m healthy. I’m starting my 3rd round of Velcade/Darzalex/Dex. So far I’ve done well. I couldn’t tolerate Revlimid. Stem cell transplant has been suggested. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons. I’d be interested in hearing any opinions, thoughts and experiences understanding that everyone is different. Also if there is any recent research weighing the pros and cons, please point me in the right direction 🙏🏻

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Profile picture for joyce1953 @joyce1953

I’m female, 72 and recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Other than MM, I’m healthy. I’m starting my 3rd round of Velcade/Darzalex/Dex. So far I’ve done well. I couldn’t tolerate Revlimid. Stem cell transplant has been suggested. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons. I’d be interested in hearing any opinions, thoughts and experiences understanding that everyone is different. Also if there is any recent research weighing the pros and cons, please point me in the right direction 🙏🏻

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@joyce1953 hello! I have Myelofibrosis so I can’t weigh in on treatments for you but I look at managing symptoms vs a cure as the first layer. I did a high level decision tree over the weekend and overwhelming it points to a SCT. Good luck and best wishes

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Profile picture for joyce1953 @joyce1953

I’m female, 72 and recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Other than MM, I’m healthy. I’m starting my 3rd round of Velcade/Darzalex/Dex. So far I’ve done well. I couldn’t tolerate Revlimid. Stem cell transplant has been suggested. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons. I’d be interested in hearing any opinions, thoughts and experiences understanding that everyone is different. Also if there is any recent research weighing the pros and cons, please point me in the right direction 🙏🏻

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@joyce1953

As an option, you may want to consider CAR-T treatment. There are two
CAR-Ts already approved in MM. It is important to consider toxicities of CAR-T vs. SCT. Both have serious side effects and prolonged recovery times. CAR-T is a new approach vs. SCT:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/treating/car-t-cell-therapy.html
https://www.carvykti.com/

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Profile picture for joyce1953 @joyce1953

I’m female, 72 and recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Other than MM, I’m healthy. I’m starting my 3rd round of Velcade/Darzalex/Dex. So far I’ve done well. I couldn’t tolerate Revlimid. Stem cell transplant has been suggested. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons. I’d be interested in hearing any opinions, thoughts and experiences understanding that everyone is different. Also if there is any recent research weighing the pros and cons, please point me in the right direction 🙏🏻

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@joyce1953 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you might be discovering, there are several different forms of multiple myeloma. Conferring with your oncologist/hematologist, they will be able to give you the pluses and minuses of going forward with stem cell therapy for your situation.
Ginger

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