START HERE Multiple Myeloma
Resource Guide
NEWLY DIAGNOSED CHECKLIST
Get information about choosing a myeloma specialist or treatment center Talk with family and friends about how you feel and how they can help you Find out what your insurance covers Learn about the most current tests and treatments for myeloma Talk openly with your doctor about your fears or concerns Find out if financial assistance is available
HOW IS MYELOMA DIAGNOSED?
Lab tests Urine tests Biopsy
Bone X-rays Cytogenetics Gene array analysis
PET scan MRI CAT scan
Flow cytometry FISH analysis Immunohistochemistry
GLOSSARY TERMS
CAR T-cell therapies: CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor. It is a biologic immune therapy where doctors take a patient’s own T cells (lymphocytes in the blood) or use a donor’s T cells, modify them with a new receptor, and then reintroduce to the patient.
BCMA-targeted therapies: BCMA stands for B-cell maturation antigen. This type of therapy targets cancer cells to slow or stop growth. They attack a specific antigen that is heavily present in myeloma cells.
Bispecific antibodies (BisAbs): Can be called T-cell engagers or T-cell redirective therapy. These are antibodies that have two arms. One of the arms is drawn to a target antigen, such as BCMA or which is located on the myeloma cell. The other arm is drawn to CD3 found on the T cell.
Relapse: Reappearance of signs and symptoms of myeloma after a period of improvement. Includes patients whose first progression occurs in the absence of any therapy following successful initial therapy.
START HERE Expert Tip
Myeloma Educational & Support Resources The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation International Myeloma Foundation Cancer Support Community Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Patients Europe Triage Cancer ACCC
"I start off by asking my patients, is there someone you would like to call during the visit? It is always better to have a caregiver or an extra set of ears listening in."
Cancer Care Cancer Grace Family Reach
Sikander Ailawadhi, MD Myeloma Specialist Mayo Clinic
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