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Is Bone Marrow Transplantation An Effective Treatment For Multiple Myeloma?
Question: My options for a bone marrow transplant or harvest my bone marrow. now taking revlimid and Dex.
What are my options?
What are my options?
Brief Answer:
Transplant better option
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I understand that you are on treatment for myeloma with revlimid dexamethasone. After certain number of courses, better response is obtained with autologous bone marrow transplant. Actually your own stem cells are harvested from blood, not from marrow. These are stored, high dose chemotherapy administered and again those stored stem cells put back in you. These help in regenerating the marrow from the effects of high dose chemotherapy.
In myeloma, it has been seen that in patients who are fit enough for transplantation, it provides better results than other forms of treatment. Hence transplant is always recommended in fit patients.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Transplant better option
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I understand that you are on treatment for myeloma with revlimid dexamethasone. After certain number of courses, better response is obtained with autologous bone marrow transplant. Actually your own stem cells are harvested from blood, not from marrow. These are stored, high dose chemotherapy administered and again those stored stem cells put back in you. These help in regenerating the marrow from the effects of high dose chemotherapy.
In myeloma, it has been seen that in patients who are fit enough for transplantation, it provides better results than other forms of treatment. Hence transplant is always recommended in fit patients.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Would physical "FIT" be inclusive of a range of problems that I am now taking medicine?
It is suggested that I get this procedure done soon because of the affects of Revlimid.
How long can blood be stored before being transplanted?
Is this the last resort to preserve life?
It is suggested that I get this procedure done soon because of the affects of Revlimid.
How long can blood be stored before being transplanted?
Is this the last resort to preserve life?
Brief Answer:
not the last resort but a better option
Detailed Answer:
As I said earlier, there are two treatment options for myeloma, transplant and non-transplant. Transplant is advocated early in the disease course in those who can tolerate it. Partly because more treatment damages stem cells and then transplant becomes difficult.
Stem cells can be preserved for years. There are patients where it has been used after 10 years.
Regarding fitness, age is considered in conjunction with performance status, frailty, and comorbidities (including cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal function) when assessing suitability for transplant. So current illnesses are definitely into consideration. Ultimately your transplant physician has to take a call regarding your fitness.
not the last resort but a better option
Detailed Answer:
As I said earlier, there are two treatment options for myeloma, transplant and non-transplant. Transplant is advocated early in the disease course in those who can tolerate it. Partly because more treatment damages stem cells and then transplant becomes difficult.
Stem cells can be preserved for years. There are patients where it has been used after 10 years.
Regarding fitness, age is considered in conjunction with performance status, frailty, and comorbidities (including cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal function) when assessing suitability for transplant. So current illnesses are definitely into consideration. Ultimately your transplant physician has to take a call regarding your fitness.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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