Targeting Multiple Myeloma is on the frontline of the fight against cancer

Johannesburg, July 2025 – Multiple Myeloma is an aggressive form of cancer that was once considered a terminal disease, but thanks to ongoing and accelerated advancements in medical technology and research, significant strides have been made. The condition can now be managed chronically. Early detection and targeted therapy have transformed the way that multiple myeloma is treated (1), offering patients a chance at a longer, healthier life.

Cancer originates when a normal cell mutates, causing it to multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection critical to ensuring a better chance at a positive outcome. (2) Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell that builds up in bone marrow. Some of these plasma cells develop mutations and produce abnormalities called immunoglobulins, or monoclonal proteins. These can cause damage over time, leading to anaemia, pain, frequent infections and even kidney failure. (3) 

It is possible that treatment now sends the disease into remission, and it can be done multiple times should the cancer return. (4) We may even find that, as research and development continue, a cure may ultimately be found. (3)

Vanessa Snow, Head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine South Africa, said that developments have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma. “While it typically only impacts less than a percentile of the population, it is a cancer, and these treatments are proving to be the blueprint for better, overall treatment of all cancers,” Snow said.

“Being diagnosed with multiple myeloma about two years ago obviously came as a big shock,” said a patient. “I was not feeling that well; very fatigued. I had bone ache, and I was wondering what was going on with me because, on average, I'm a very fit and healthy and active person.” (5)

As Snow explained, “In the past, the options for treating multiple myeloma were limited to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although these treatments had their use, they attacked both cancerous and normal cells, which lead to significant side effects and limited efficacy. The current developments in targeted therapy, however, are a significant change, as they target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells. This is the proverbial ‘silver bullet,’ that allows us to provide a longer and more effective treatment, which is kinder to the patient.”

Dr Karen Gunther, a clinical haematologist, noted that “over time, therapy has become more targeted and directed.” “Patients have more options now,” adds Dr Lucille Singh. “There's not a one-size-fits-all.” (5)

Because time is a vital factor in treatment, the identification of high-risk patients in the pre-cancerous state is another promising development in the fight against multiple myeloma. By identifying these patients early, physicians and haematologists can take steps to prevent the transformation of pre- multiple myeloma (also known as SMM – ‘Smouldering Multiple Myeloma’) into full-blown multiple myeloma. (6) This process is assisted by analysing, amongst other things, the patient’s blood.

“I love the field of haematology,” Dr Singh asserted. “It changes all the time; you could never say that you know everything.” “I started as a pathologist and then moved into clinical haematology,” said Dr Gunther, “because it was so frustrating not being able to do something to help the patients.” (5)

Medicine continues to refine its approaches to treatment, and patients, too, need to redefine their take on disease. Unfortunately, the popular response to disease has always tended to be a front-ended one. In other words: “Doctor, I’m sick – fix me.” The solution is, of course, more nuanced, and complex than that, and patients need to affect their own changes that will work together with their medical interventions. This could involve lifestyle modifications in sleeping patterns, diet, and stress management. That way, the disease is approached and tackled from both ends.

That said, living with cancer is not easy, as the mental and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis can be significant, not just on the patient, but also on their families and caregivers. Said Snow, “Cancer can be a challenging and isolating experience that leads to anxiety, depression, and other mental health hurdles, adding to the already overwhelming physical challenges. In addition to physical care, it is therefore important for patients to receive emotional and mental support from medical practitioners, in addition to family and friends.” “The caring side is important,” Dr Gunther stresses, “We can build up haematology to be a place really of caring as well as healing for patients.” (5)

Snow concludes, "The medical fraternity’s commitment to its patients – physically, emotionally, and mentally – is unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. At Johnson & Johnson, we work daily to get in front of cancer, convening the brightest minds to create and deliver new ways to detect, intercept and one day cure this disease."