Should Myeloma Patients In Good Response To Initial Therapy Proceed To Transplant? Four Oncologists Discuss

He also highlights the importance of selecting regimens that patients can tolerate, as individuals who cannot continue on maintenance therapy will lack sustained benefit.Dr. Lonial says that achieving a complete remission is only an intermediate step toward a deeper response, now that MRD testing is available. It is likely that myeloma will recur if therapy is discontinued after four cycles of chemotherapy, even after achieving complete remission.Dr. Berenson says that the depth of response is less important in clinics that offer many opportunities for patient treatment. Much of the data that has established the importance of depth of response was evaluated in those parts of the world that offer fewer treatment options. In the United States, maintenance therapy can often be given after a complete remission is achieved, resulting in a longer response and preventing recurrence. His practice administers bortezomib-based therapy, typically giving bortezomib every other week and maintaining steroids.Dr. Jagannath says that for standard-risk patients, he commonly uses lenalidomide maintenance for two to three years post-transplant and RVD (lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone) in high-risk patients.To watch the interview, click here.