When do you consider re-starting treatment for a patient with relapsed myeloma?
For example, how significant does the M protein have to increase for you to begin a conversation about new therapy?
Answer from: Medical Oncologist at Community Practice
Do you start anti-myeloma therapy when patients have progressive disease (25% increase in paraprotein or new or worsening myeloma bone disease) or clinical relapse (CRAB criteria, hyperviscosity, new plasmacytoma)? The goal is to pull the trigger right before clinical relapse.
How is this don...
The question gets to the difference between biochemical relapse (increase in paraprotein/ light chains without clinical signs or symptoms of relapse) versus clinical realpse. Clinical relapse in a patient with myeloma should always be treated. Biochemical relapse is an early warning for impending cl...