Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. While there is currently no cure for myeloma, significant advancements have been made in treatment options, allowing patients to live longer and experience better quality of life. But for patients with high-risk myeloma, the challenges are greater.
This HealthTree webinar, held in April 2024, is led by Dr. Dani Dima, a hematology-oncology fellow from Cleveland Clinic specializing in plasma cell disorders. She dives deep into what high-risk myeloma is, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment options available. You can find a summary of our discussion and watch the webinar recording below.
Dr. Dima explains that high-risk myeloma represents 15-20% of all multiple myeloma patients and is defined by specific genetic abnormalities and other factors. These factors indicate that the myeloma is more aggressive and likely to relapse sooner. For example:
High-risk patients quickly become resistant to treatment; they are less likely to respond to chemotherapy and might require more treatment than standard-risk patients.
It is important to note that myeloma with standard cytogenetics or normal clinical characteristics can still act aggressively and be reclassified as high-risk. The risk of myeloma can change over time, so it is crucial to assess the myeloma risk at diagnosis, but it is also essential to reassess it at different time points throughout treatment, like at relapse or after when the disease stops responding to treatment.
The diagnosis of myeloma, regardless of the risk status, typically involves blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. Dr. Dima outlines the different tests used and what they reveal about the disease when considered high-risk. Learn more about myeloma diagnostic tests here: How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
The good news is that there have been significant advancements in myeloma treatment, and high-risk myeloma is no exception. Dr. Dima discusses several treatment options, including:
Dr. Dima emphasizes the importance of continuous therapy, especially for patients with high-risk myeloma. Stopping treatment too early can lead to faster relapse.
Clinical trials are constantly testing new and promising therapies for myeloma, and we have seen a growth in those studies designed exclusively for high-risk multiple myeloma. Dr. Dima mentions trials investigating CAR T-cell therapy as a potential treatment for these patients.
Our live audience submitted their questions about high-risk myeloma. Jump to Minute 46:20 to listen to the answers to the following questions:
Register for our next webinar and submit your questions directly to our invited speaker! Check all our upcoming events here.
This article has provided a brief overview of the key points discussed in the webinar on high-risk myeloma. We encourage you to watch the full webinar recording to gain a deeper understanding of the disease, treatment options, and the latest research. We want to thank Dr. Danai Dima for her informative presentation!
To continue learning about high-risk multiple myeloma from experts, create a free Healthtree University account and watch our unit on Specific Myeloma Genetic Mutations and Risk.
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. While there is currently no cure for myeloma, significant advancements have been made in treatment options, allowing patients to live longer and experience better quality of life. But for patients with high-risk myeloma, the challenges are greater.
This HealthTree webinar, held in April 2024, is led by Dr. Dani Dima, a hematology-oncology fellow from Cleveland Clinic specializing in plasma cell disorders. She dives deep into what high-risk myeloma is, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment options available. You can find a summary of our discussion and watch the webinar recording below.
Dr. Dima explains that high-risk myeloma represents 15-20% of all multiple myeloma patients and is defined by specific genetic abnormalities and other factors. These factors indicate that the myeloma is more aggressive and likely to relapse sooner. For example:
High-risk patients quickly become resistant to treatment; they are less likely to respond to chemotherapy and might require more treatment than standard-risk patients.
It is important to note that myeloma with standard cytogenetics or normal clinical characteristics can still act aggressively and be reclassified as high-risk. The risk of myeloma can change over time, so it is crucial to assess the myeloma risk at diagnosis, but it is also essential to reassess it at different time points throughout treatment, like at relapse or after when the disease stops responding to treatment.
The diagnosis of myeloma, regardless of the risk status, typically involves blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and a bone marrow biopsy. Dr. Dima outlines the different tests used and what they reveal about the disease when considered high-risk. Learn more about myeloma diagnostic tests here: How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
The good news is that there have been significant advancements in myeloma treatment, and high-risk myeloma is no exception. Dr. Dima discusses several treatment options, including:
Dr. Dima emphasizes the importance of continuous therapy, especially for patients with high-risk myeloma. Stopping treatment too early can lead to faster relapse.
Clinical trials are constantly testing new and promising therapies for myeloma, and we have seen a growth in those studies designed exclusively for high-risk multiple myeloma. Dr. Dima mentions trials investigating CAR T-cell therapy as a potential treatment for these patients.
Our live audience submitted their questions about high-risk myeloma. Jump to Minute 46:20 to listen to the answers to the following questions:
Register for our next webinar and submit your questions directly to our invited speaker! Check all our upcoming events here.
This article has provided a brief overview of the key points discussed in the webinar on high-risk myeloma. We encourage you to watch the full webinar recording to gain a deeper understanding of the disease, treatment options, and the latest research. We want to thank Dr. Danai Dima for her informative presentation!
To continue learning about high-risk multiple myeloma from experts, create a free Healthtree University account and watch our unit on Specific Myeloma Genetic Mutations and Risk.
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.