Multiple Myeloma Life Expectancy Explained

How Long Can You Live With Multiple Myeloma?

As with any chronic disease, life expectancy statistics can vary among individuals, depending on the stage of detection and risk factors. Recent published studies (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41458597/) have shown the average multiple myeloma survival rate to exceed 10 years. Treatments continue to advance, potentially increasing average stage I-III multiple myeloma survival rates, even in high-risk cases.

In general, statistics describe a group, not your individual experience. According to a study published in Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41375-021-01453-5), patients treated with novel therapies over the last 10 years are living longer with myeloma. Life expectancy of any disease is influenced by the age of diagnosis, but also by many other factors in one's health. For this reason, it is hard to generalize about life expectancy for any one patient.

Exploring a New Era in Myeloma Care

Research is constantly evolving, leading to an explosion of new therapies that have dramatically improved myeloma survival rates over the last decade. The International Myeloma Foundation offers several clinical trial resources (https://www.myeloma.org/node/1017/) in our search for a cure.

With a wider variety of treatments, long-term survival can be a common and realistic outcome for many living with myeloma. Here's a quick look at some of the treatments available (https://www.myeloma.org/multiple-myeloma-treatment):

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses medications, such as proteasome inhibitors (PIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to target chemicals within cancer cells. Blocking these chemicals can eliminate cancer cells within plasma cells and prevent their spread.
• Immunotherapy: Cancer cells often find ways to avoid our immune system's detection. Immunotherapy helps the body's immune cells recognize and attack (https://www.myeloma.org/treatment/using-immune-system-fight-multiple-myeloma) hidden cancer cells, restoring natural defenses.
• CAR-T cell therapy: CAR-T cell therapy targets myeloma cells through the body's immune system. In this treatment, medical professionals genetically modify T-cells (https://www.myeloma.org/emerging-therapies/car-t-cell-therapy) to produce a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that helps T-cells recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Bispecific antibodies: Bispecific antibodies are engineered therapies that bind both immune cells and cancer cells, redirecting the body’s immune system to quickly find and destroy myeloma cells — even those that persist after prior treatments.
• Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): ADCs are targeted cancer therapies that link a monoclonal antibody to a potent cytotoxic drug via a chemical linker. The antibody selectively binds to antigens on cancer cells, delivering the drug directly to the tumor upon internalization. This approach combines the precision of immunotherapy with the cell-killing power of chemotherapy, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of powerful chemical agents to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike targeted therapies, it acts systemically and can affect both cancerous and healthy cells.
• Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT): ASCT restores blood-forming stem cells (https://www.myeloma.org/autologous-stem-cell-transplant) following a high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) treatment. Pairing this with other treatments allows those with myeloma to tolerate higher doses while supporting bone marrow function.
   

What to Expect in Your First Few Months

Immediately following diagnosis, you may enter a period of information-gathering and planning, working with a specialist, undergoing tests, and creating a treatment plan (https://www.myeloma.org/frontline-treatment-options). While life will change, this is a time to start establishing a new normal, where life can continue alongside treatment.

Initial therapy depends on your individual condition, but it aims to manage the disease and improve your quality of life. You will likely undergo several tests, such as blood and urine testing, radiologic imaging, and a bone marrow biopsy, to help you and your doctor determine the best treatment plan. Treatment can begin shortly after receiving results, exploring available clinical trials, or evaluating CRAB symptoms that led to myeloma (https://www.myeloma.org/newly-diagnosed/multiple-myeloma-diagnostic-criteria) — calcium elevation, renal failure, anemia, and bone lesions.

Long-term care for myeloma

Long-term care for myeloma (https://www.myeloma.org/long-term-care-planning) can look different for everyone, but it is primarily about treating the disease, preventing its recurrence,  addressing side effects, and managing complications to encourage a fulfilling life.

The rest of your body requires the usual care it needs. That's why it's important to:

• Continue to have regular checkups with your doctor and healthcare team.
• Manage long-term side effects from treatment.
• Screen for and manage other health conditions.
• Maintain your overall physical health.
• Pay attention to your mental and emotional health.

How People Find Strength, Cope, and Thrive

Many people living with myeloma continue to work, travel, and engage with their hobbies. The goal for myeloma care is to manage the disease instead of letting it manage you. Your mental and emotional health can impact your well-being while living with multiple myeloma, so try to live your life to the fullest within your new normal.

As your healthcare team is focused on your physical health, many people living with myeloma find ways to protect their mental well-being. Getting diagnosed can be scary, and taking time to cope with the mental and emotional side can be just as important as physical treatment. You can still plan for your future, and we recommend:

• Giving yourself permission to feel: A myeloma diagnosis can come with several emotions — anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, and more. It's important and completely normal to take your time acknowledging your feelings in a way that works for you.
• Focusing on what you can control: In a time of uncertainty, try to focus on manageable aspects of your life. These can be anything, such as learning about your treatment options, maintaining a routine, or celebrating small, daily victories in life.
• Adopting practical wellness tools: Learn some mindfulness or simple breathing exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety. Journaling is another great way to process thoughts and emotions, getting the words out of your mind and onto a page.
• Leaning on your support system: Talking openly with your family and friends is crucial to the healing process. Also consider joining a support group to talk with others walking a similar path as you.

Myeloma Resources With IMF

The International Myeloma Foundation is here to support you as you go through myeloma treatment and research multiple myeloma life expectancy. We have several resources, including: (https://www.myeloma.org/patient-caregiver-information)

• Support groups: Support groups are a valuable way to connect with people who understand what you are going through. Our local or virtual support groups (https://www.myeloma.org/support-groups) provide an opportunity to share experiences and draw strength from a community.
• InfoLine: We have a direct hotline to our trained specialists who can answer your specific, nonmedical questions about myeloma. We also have compiled frequently asked questions (https://www.myeloma.org/myeloma-cancer-questions)for individuals and their families.
• Publications: We have several downloadable handbooks, guides, and tip cards that offer in-depth information about myeloma for you and your family. Browse our publications list (https://www.myeloma.org/publications)for more information on key topics.
• Myelo®: We have a generative AI assistant (https://www.myeloma.org/about-myelo)you can ask your myeloma questions to, any time of day or night. Myelo is also helpful in navigating our website and clinical trial opportunities.

Your Next Step Toward Clarity and Support

A myeloma diagnosis is only a chapter in your story, and you have the power to navigate your individual experience. Take a look at our resources, or schedule a call with us (https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/) today for more information.