The bone marrow produces plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in response to an invasion by a bacterium or virus. The plasma cells make antibodies to fight off the attacking organism. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that originates in the plasma cells. Appropriate drug therapy enables a person with multiple myeloma to lead a full life, says the Mayo Clinic.
Bortezomib (Velcade)
According to the Mayo Clinic, bortezomib is an intravenous treatment for multiple myeloma that a doctor administers in a hospital or cancer treatment center. This drug acts to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells so that the body's immune system can eventually kill them. Bortezomib may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea. Patients need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration during therapy. Other possible side effects of this drug include peripheral neuropathy (numbness in hands and feet), chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat, says the Mayo Clinic. In addition, this medication may lower a patient's white blood cell count, thereby increasing the chances of getting an infection.
Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
This oral prescription medication is an antiangiogenic agent, which means that it kills tumor cells by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels, says Drugs.com. Women who are pregnant should not take lenalidomide because it may cause birth defects or death to the fetus. A combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma, according to Drugs.com. The treatment regimen for adults involves a 25 mg once daily oral dose of lenalidomide on days 1 to 21 of a repeated 28-day cycle along with a 40 mg once daily dose of dexamethasone on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12 and 17 to 20 of the 28-day cycle. This combination continues for four cycles of therapy. Side effects of the therapy include low blood platelet count, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and fever.
Melphalan (Alkeran)
According to Drugs.com, melphalan is a medication for multiple myeloma that is suitable for both oral and I.V. administration. The normal adult oral dose is 6 mg once a day for 14 to 21 days. Then there is a four-week moratorium on treatment so that the doctor can monitor the patient's white blood cell and platelet counts. When these counts are rising, another course of treatment can begin. Treatment should continue over several months in order to maximize the chances for success, says Drugs.com. A frequent adverse reaction of melphalan therapy is decreased bone marrow function, which leads to heightened susceptibility to infection and bleeding problems. Women who are pregnant should not take melphalan because it can harm the fetus.
