Utilizing Subcutaneous and IV Treatment for Improved Outcomes with Multiple Myeloma Patients

CANCER BUZZ

Apr 20 2023 • 4 mins

While significant advances have been made overall in the treatment of multiple myeloma, the management of transplant-ineligible patients remains challenging. Patients with multiple myeloma are not cured with conventional therapy. Treatment does, however, alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival. The current standard of care for multiple myeloma patients includes an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody in either first- or second-line treatment of myeloma. CANCER BUZZ spoke to Cindy Varga, MD, Hematologist at Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC. Listen as Dr. Varga discusses the positives and negatives with subcutaneous versus intravenous drugs in treating patients with multiple myeloma.

“There are benefits to the patient (for subcutaneous administration), it is very fast, as quick as 5-minutes. So. there is convenience there and less side effects.”

“Having patients be able to access these amazing drugs (both IV and subcutaneous) in their local infusion center, definitely helps with their up-front treatment plan. These patients are going into remissions, feeling better, and their quality of life is better on these drugs because they are so effective…”

-        Cindy Varga, MD, Hematologist at Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute

Cindy Varga, MD

Hematologist

Levine Cancer Institute at Atrium Health

Charlotte, NC

Resources:

- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

- American Cancer Society

- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

This project is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson
ACCC is collaborating with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on this project.

You Might Like

StarTalk Radio
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
Speaking of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology
American Psychological Association
The Psychology Podcast
The Psychology Podcast
Stitcher & Scott Barry Kaufman
Something You Should Know
Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media | Cumulus Podcast Network
Stanford Psychology Podcast
Stanford Psychology Podcast
Stanford Psychology
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness
PRX and Greater Good Science Center
Paranormal Mysteries Podcast
Paranormal Mysteries Podcast
Paranormal Mysteries Podcast | Unexplained Supernatural Stories
Radiolab
Radiolab
WNYC Studios
Real Ghost Stories Online
Real Ghost Stories Online
Real Ghost Stories Online | Paranormal, Supernatural & Horror Radio
BrainStuff
BrainStuff
iHeartPodcasts
Science Friday
Science Friday
Science Friday and WNYC Studios
Ideas of India
Ideas of India
Mercatus Center at George Mason University