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Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is a type of systemic therapy, which means it travels through the bloodstream to reach and attack cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy can be given in different ways, depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan. It is often delivered through an IV (a needle in a vein), but it can also be taken orally (by mouth in the form of a pill), injected or applied as a cream for certain skin cancers.
Some people receive chemotherapy every day, while others get it at specific times. The length of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, and sometimes chemotherapy is combined with other treatments like radiation for the best results.
Multiple Myeloma Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
How Chemotherapy is Used to Treat Multiple Myeloma
Most people who have multiple myeloma have chemotherapy as part of their care. A medical oncologist (physician who specializes in treating cancer with medications) will decide what type of medication, dosage and schedule is best for you.
Here are some of the reasons why you might have chemotherapy:
- To kill cancer cells
- To destroy abnormal cells in the bone marrow as part of blood and marrow transplant conditioning
- To reduce the number of cancer cells in the body when a blood and marrow transplant is not possible
- To treat multiple myeloma when it has relapsed (come back after being treated) or is no longer responding to treatment (called refractory multiple myeloma)
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Chemotherapy for Multiple Myeloma
At Fred Hutch, you will receive medical oncology treatment from leading physicians who specialize in blood cancers, including multiple myeloma.
They will design an individualized treatment plan to target your tumor using chemotherapy and minimize the effects on healthy tissue. Your team also works closely with you to manage any side effects you may experience and help you take the best possible care of yourself during treatment.
These common chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. They include:
- Bortezomib
- Carfilzomib
- Cyclophosphamide
- Daratumumab
- Dexamethasone
- Elotuzumab
- Lenalidomide
Every patient reacts to chemotherapy in their own way. Sometimes a person may have mild side effects that go away quickly. Other people may have side effects that are challenging and last longer. Examples of side effects patients receiving chemotherapy for multiple myeloma might experience include:
- Achiness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Infections
- Low platelet count
- Low red cell count
- Low white cell count
- Mouth sores
- Numbness, especially in the arms, hands, legs or feet
- Vomiting or upset stomach
Before you begin chemotherapy, we talk with you about what to expect, based on your treatment plan, and what can help if you have side effects. We have many tools to help you feel better, including drugs and other therapies that can help prevent or manage many side effects. Please tell us about any side effects you are having so we can help you.