Advances in Multiple Myeloma Care in the UAE: Treatment Updates and Patient Support in 2025
Multiple myeloma treatment in the UAE is evolving with new therapies and expanded patient support services. This article provides an overview of current treatment approaches and supportive care options available in 2025, helping patients and caregivers understand the landscape of multiple myeloma management in the region.
Treatment Options for Newly Diagnosed Patients
For patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) who are eligible for stem cell transplant, the UAE follows regimens supported by recent clinical trials such as PERSEUS and GRIFFIN. These regimens often include a quadruplet therapy, combining four active drugs to improve treatment effectiveness. Common components include proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib), immunomodulatory agents (e.g., lenalidomide), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), and monoclonal antibodies.
Dose adjustments are standard practice to manage side effects. For example, bortezomib may be given weekly instead of twice weekly to reduce neuropathy risk, and dexamethasone doses are tailored to minimize immunosuppression and other adverse effects. These modifications aim to balance treatment efficacy with patient quality of life.
Treatment Approaches for Transplant-Ineligible and Frail Patients
Not all MM patients are suitable candidates for stem cell transplant due to age, comorbidities, or frailty. In these cases, the UAE has introduced alternative regimens, including isatuximab-based quadruplets such as Isa-VRd (isatuximab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) and Isa-KRd (isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone). These combinations have been locally approved for specific patient groups following clinical evidence that demonstrates benefits in disease control and tolerability.
Physicians consider individual patient factors when deciding on treatment plans, aiming to optimize outcomes while maintaining manageable side effects.
Diagnosis and Management of Relapsed or Aggressive Disease
Multiple myeloma can relapse or progress aggressively after initial treatment. In these situations, ongoing diagnosis and monitoring utilize advanced laboratory tests and imaging, including:
- Serum free light chain assays
- Bone marrow biopsies and cytogenetic analysis
- PET-CT or MRI scans to assess bone lesions and disease burden
Treatment strategies for relapsed or refractory MM are personalized and may include newer drug classes such as CAR-T cell therapy or bispecific antibodies, where available and appropriate. These options are progressively being integrated into UAE oncology centers according to patient eligibility and disease characteristics.
Patient-Focused Integrated Support Services
Comprehensive care in the UAE extends beyond medical treatment to include multidisciplinary support that addresses the broad needs of MM patients:
Multidisciplinary Care
Teams often include hematologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers who collaborate to deliver coordinated care tailored to each patient.
Supportive Therapies
Management of symptoms and side effects is a key focus. This includes pain control, infection prevention, treatment of bone disease, and management of treatment-related fatigue.
Psychosocial and Educational Support
Counseling services and patient education programs are available to help patients and families understand the disease, treatment options, and coping strategies. Support groups and mental health resources can also improve emotional well-being.
Follow-up and Survivorship
Regular follow-up appointments allow clinicians to monitor treatment response, manage long-term side effects, and address any new health concerns. Survivorship care plans aim to maintain health and quality of life after treatment.
Making Informed Choices About Care
By engaging actively with healthcare providers and staying informed about treatment advances and available support services, patients in the UAE can better navigate their multiple myeloma journey. Access to evolving therapies and a multidisciplinary support network contributes to more personalized, comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
This ongoing development in treatment options and patient support reflects the UAE’s commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients throughout 2025 and beyond.
Sources
- Frontline management of multiple myeloma patients: optimizing treatment for patients in the Gulf region (ScholasticaHQ)
- Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City (ESMO)
- Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost In UAE (BMT Clinic)
By working with your healthcare team, staying informed about evolving treatment options, and making use of the comprehensive support services available in the UAE, patients can navigate multiple myeloma care with greater confidence and understanding.
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