Virtual Reality as a Treatment for Multiple Myeloma: Benefits and Risks
Improved Survival Rates with VRd Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
A groundbreaking development in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer, has been reported. A study by the South West Oncology Group has shown that the VRd treatment significantly improves survival rates for MM patients [1].
VRd is a targeted drug therapy that combines three drugs: bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone. This trio works by attacking cancerous plasma cells through multiple mechanisms [2]. Bortezomib inhibits proteasomes, disrupting cell protein degradation, while Revlimid modulates the immune system and has direct anti-cancer effects. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, helps kill myeloma cells and reduce inflammation [2].
Revlimid is a workhorse drug for the immune system, capable of activating immune cells, killing myeloma cells, and preventing the growth of other types of bad cells [2]. Dexamethasone, on the other hand, treats the side effects of cancer treatments by suppressing the immune system [3].
While VRd has shown promising results, it is important to note that it comes with potential side effects. These include peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet) from bortezomib, an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) related to lenalidomide use, infections due to immune suppression, and kidney function impairment [2]. Dexamethasone can also cause side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, headache, and insomnia [3].
VRd is typically recommended for people who have not had previous treatment for MM and are eligible for a stem cell transplant. The relative 5-year survival rate for Multiple Myeloma stands at 55% [4].
The cost of VRd can exceed $150,000 per year in the United States [5]. Given its high cost and potential side effects, careful monitoring and supportive care are essential to manage side effects and maintain patient safety [2][3][5]. Newer approaches sometimes add other agents (e.g., daratumumab or Sarclisa) to VRd to deepen responses, but the core VRd drugs remain a foundational backbone in multiple myeloma therapy [2][5].
References: [1] South West Oncology Group. (n.d.). VRd treatment for Multiple Myeloma significantly improves survival rates. Retrieved from https://www.swo-group.org.uk/news/vrd-treatment-multiple-myeloma-significantly-improves-survival-rates [2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/patient/bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone-pdq [3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Multiple myeloma treatment options. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating/ [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Key statistics for multiple myeloma. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Multiple myeloma treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377730
- The VRd treatment, a combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, has shown significant improvement in survival rates for patients with Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
- Scientific research indicates that Bortezomib works by inhibiting proteasomes and disrupting cell protein degradation, while Revlimid modulates the immune system and has direct anti-cancer effects.
- Careful monitoring and supportive care are essential for managing the potential side effects of VRd, which include peripheral neuropathy, blood clots, infections, kidney function impairment, and digestive issues.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, VRd is often recommended for patients with Multiple Myeloma who are eligible for a stem cell transplant, but its high cost and potential side effects require careful consideration in the medical-conditions management.
