Singapore Approves New Treatment Option for Multiple Myeloma
Singapore has approved new treatment combinations for some adults whose multiple myeloma has returned or stopped responding to previous treatment. Here is what this type of blood cancer is, possible warning signs and what the development could mean for patients.
Illustrative image | AI-generated
This article provides general educational health information and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone concerned about possible symptoms of multiple myeloma should speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
SINGAPORE — A new treatment option has been approved in Singapore for some adults with multiple myeloma whose cancer has returned after earlier treatment or is no longer responding well to treatment.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It affects cells called plasma cells, which are found inside the bone marrow.
Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside our bones where blood cells are made. When abnormal plasma cells grow too much, they can crowd out healthy blood cells and may also weaken the bones.
What Has Been Approved in Singapore?
The latest development involves Blenrep, also known as belantamab mafodotin, being used together with other cancer medicines for certain adults with multiple myeloma.
These combinations are intended for some patients whose cancer has returned after previous treatment or has stopped responding to treatment.
Doctors describe this as relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
“Relapsed” means the cancer has returned after treatment. “Refractory” means the cancer is no longer responding well to treatment.
Having another approved treatment option can be important because multiple myeloma may return even after a patient initially responds well to treatment.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that mainly affects the bone marrow.
It develops when a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell begins growing abnormally.
Healthy plasma cells normally help the body fight infections by making antibodies.
In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells can multiply and interfere with the bone marrow's ability to produce normal blood cells.
The cancer can also damage bones and, in some patients, affect the kidneys and other parts of the body.
In simple terms, multiple myeloma starts when certain blood-forming cells inside the bones begin growing abnormally and interfere with healthy cells.
Symptoms People Should Know
Multiple myeloma does not always cause obvious symptoms at an early stage.
When symptoms occur, they can differ from person to person.
Possible signs can include:
- Persistent bone pain, particularly in the back or ribs
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent or repeated infections
- Broken bones after relatively minor injuries
- Unexplained weight loss
- Kidney problems
- Unusual thirst or constipation linked to high calcium levels
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions. A doctor needs to assess the symptoms and carry out appropriate tests before a diagnosis can be made.
Who May Have a Higher Risk?
Doctors do not know one single cause of multiple myeloma.
However, some factors have been linked with a higher chance of developing the condition.
- Age: multiple myeloma is more commonly diagnosed in older adults.
- Sex: men are slightly more likely than women to develop the condition.
- Family history: having a close family member with multiple myeloma may increase risk.
- Some existing blood conditions: certain conditions affecting plasma cells can increase the likelihood of multiple myeloma developing later.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will definitely develop multiple myeloma.
Can Multiple Myeloma Be Prevented?
There is currently no proven way to completely prevent multiple myeloma.
This means people should not assume that a particular food, activity or lifestyle choice directly caused the disease.
Healthy everyday habits are still important because they support general health and can reduce the risk of many other health conditions.
Helpful general habits include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Attending recommended health checks
Healthy living supports overall wellbeing, but there is currently no proven lifestyle method that guarantees prevention of multiple myeloma.
How Do Doctors Check for Multiple Myeloma?
If a doctor suspects multiple myeloma, several tests may be needed.
These can include blood tests, urine tests, medical scans and tests that examine the bone marrow.
A bone marrow test allows doctors to look for abnormal plasma cells.
The tests required depend on a person's symptoms, medical history and initial medical assessment.
How Is Multiple Myeloma Treated?
Treatment depends on factors such as a patient's age, overall health, previous treatments and how the cancer is behaving.
Doctors may use several medicines together because different treatments can target the cancer in different ways.
Some patients may also be considered for a stem cell transplant.
Treatment generally aims to control the cancer, reduce complications, manage symptoms and keep the disease under control for as long as possible.
What Does the New Treatment Mean for Patients?
For people whose multiple myeloma has returned, having another approved treatment gives doctors an additional option to consider.
It does not mean this particular treatment will be suitable for everyone with multiple myeloma.
Cancer treatment is highly individual. Doctors consider previous treatments, overall health, possible side effects and other medical factors before recommending a treatment.
Blenrep can cause eye-related side effects and changes in vision. Patients receiving this medicine may require regular eye checks and should tell their healthcare team if they notice changes in their eyesight.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor?
People should seek medical advice if they experience persistent or unexplained symptoms such as ongoing bone pain, unusual tiredness, repeated infections or unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms are common to many conditions and do not necessarily mean a person has cancer.
However, symptoms that continue, worsen or cannot be explained should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Why This Development Matters
Multiple myeloma can often be controlled for a period of time, but the disease may eventually return or stop responding to a treatment that previously worked.
New treatment options therefore remain important for patients and their healthcare teams.
Singapore's latest approval adds another possible treatment approach for selected adults living with multiple myeloma that has returned or become difficult to treat.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore has approved new treatment combinations for certain adults with multiple myeloma.
- Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- Symptoms can include bone pain, unusual tiredness, repeated infections and unexplained weight loss.
- These symptoms can have many other causes and do not automatically mean cancer.
- There is currently no proven way to completely prevent multiple myeloma.
- Treatment varies from patient to patient.
- Anyone with persistent or unexplained symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional.
Sources & References
- HealthHub Singapore. Multiple Myeloma. Read HealthHub information
- SingHealth. Multiple Myeloma. Read SingHealth information
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore. Blenrep safety information. Visit HSA Singapore
- BioSpectrum Asia. Singapore approves GSK's Blenrep combinations for treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Read the original report
About KnowvaLife
KnowvaLife provides practical health and wellness information to help readers understand health developments and what they may mean in everyday life. Our Health News reports combine timely developments with clear, simple health education from recognised medical and public health sources.
