Targeted therapies for myeloma
About targeted and immunotherapy for myeloma
Targeted therapies are drugs that interfere with the way myeloma cells grow. Some targeted therapy drugs affect the immune system and help it to destroy myeloma cells. These are called immunotherapy drugs.
Types of targeted therapies for myeloma
The targeted therapies used for newly diagnosed myeloma are thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide. You usually have these drugs along with chemotherapy drugs and steroids. Sometimes you have 2 targeted therapy drugs together.
Some people continue to take these types of drugs to help keep the myeloma under control. This is called maintenance or continuous treatment. Your doctor will explain if this is suitable for you.
When myeloma comes back (relapse), you may have other targeted therapy drugs. Sometimes 2 targeted therapies may be used in combination.
Your doctor and nurse will talk to you about the different treatment options.
Thalidomide
Bortezomib
You may have bortezomib as a first treatment for myeloma, or if myeloma comes back after other treatment.
Lenalidomide
Side effects of targeted therapy for myeloma
Like all drugs, targeted therapies can cause side effects. It is important to tell your cancer doctor or nurse if you have any side effects while you are having treatment. They may adjust your treatment to control side effects or to help to prevent more serious problems.
Both thalidomide and lenalidomide can cause birth defects in developing babies. This can happen if a pregnancy starts when either a man or woman is taking these drugs. Women who have not yet had the menopause will take part in a pregnancy prevention programme while taking thalidomide or lenalidomide. Your doctor will give you information about not becoming pregnant or making someone pregnant during treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after treatment. You also have pregnancy tests before starting this treatment.
If you think you or your partner might be pregnant during your treatment, contact your doctor or specialist nurse straight away.
Thalidomide and lenalidomide can also increase the risk of a blood clot developing. Your doctor may ask you to take drugs to thin your blood to reduce this risk.
Some other side effects of these drugs include:
- constipation
- drowsiness
- an increased risk of infection
- feeling sick
- numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- tiredness (fatigue).
Related pages
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our myeloma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Myeloma: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG35]. Published: 10 February 2016 Last updated: 25 October 2018. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng35/chapter/recommendations Accessed: 19/07/22
Jonathan Sive et al., on behalf of the British Society of Haematology. British Journal of Haematology. Guidelines on the diagnosis, investigation and initial treatment of myeloma: a British Society for Haematology/UK Myeloma Forum Guideline. Published: 21 March 2021 Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjh.17410 Accessed: 19/07/22
M.A. Dimopoulos et al. Annals of oncology. European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Multiple myeloma: EHA-ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Volume 32, ISSUE 3, P309-322, March 01, 2021. Available from: https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)43169-2/fulltext Accessed: 19/07/22
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This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Dr Anne Parker, Consultant Haematologist.
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