Targeted multiple myeloma treatments are aimed at killing cancer cells while maintaining surrounding healthy cells and tissues as these drugs work to destroy abnormal affected cells.
Targeted cancer treatments target specific molecules that contribute to cancer cell growth, particularly how they divide and spread. Physicians typically employ three different methods of targeted therapy to treat multiple myeloma, including:
- Block cancer cells growth: This targeted cancer treatment hinders the enzymes or proteins that cause the cancer cells to grow and survive.
- Prompts attack: This method aids the body’s attack on cancer cells by attaching to the surface of cancer cells and destroying them from the outside, in.
- Precision medicines: This treatment analyzes the DNA of the cancerous cells and utilizes precision medicine that targets only those specific cells identified through the molecule or genetic mutations.
Some of the most common targeted treatment methods for multiple myeloma include:
- Proteasome inhibitors
Physicians often use the term proteasome, which refers to cancer cells that are filled with proteins that aid cancer cells growth. This proteins must be killed in order to eliminate the cancer. If these proteasomes are destroyed then the cancer cells eventually die out by filling up with faulty proteins. There are three main types of proteasome inhibitors used for treating different types of multiple myeloma, they include:
- Bortezomib (Velcade): Medicine is injected into the vein or beneath the skin by a professional doctor or nurses and is effective for those who have kidney problems.
- Carfilzomib (Kyprolis):
This treatment is prescribed separately or in combination with other medications, and injected into a vein with a steroid, like a Dexamethasone, in order to counteract allergic reaction such as chills, vomiting, breathing trouble, or fever.
- Ixazomib (Ninlaro): This multiple myeloma treatment is given in the form of capsules and is usually prescribed either in combination with other treatment drugs or after all types of treatment have been tried upon.
- Monoclonal Antibodies
These lab manufactured drugs treat multiple myeloma by attaching themselves to the exterior of cancer cells. They are specifically designed to target the surface of the cancer and bind themselves. Some of the commonly prescribed monoclonal antibodies are Daratumumab (Darzalex) and Elotuzumab (Empliciti). These drugs are known to cause reactions and must be monitored when an IV is administered. There are specific medications that need to be taken prior to and after the course of the treatment.
- Side effects of targeted therapies
There are side effects to targeted therapy for treating multiple myeloma but they are small in comparison to many other cancer treatments (i.e., chemotherapy). Some of the most common side effects include back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, easy bleeding and bruising, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, runny or stuffy nose, pin and needle feelings on the hands and feet, rashes, shortness of breath, swelling in hands and feet, and tightness in the chest and throat.
