Treatments
Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India
Quick answer
Multiple myeloma treatment uses combinations of targeted drugs, steroids and often a stem cell transplant using your own cells to control cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is for adults with active myeloma. A transplant visit to India usually lasts several weeks; drug-only starts need a shorter stay.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which normally make antibodies. The abnormal cells build up in the bone marrow, weaken bones and can harm the kidneys. Common signs include bone pain, anaemia, high calcium and repeated infections.
Modern care usually begins with a three- or four-drug combination, such as a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory drug, a steroid and sometimes an antibody. Fit patients are then offered an autologous stem cell transplant, where their own stem cells are collected, stored and returned after high-dose chemotherapy. Maintenance tablets often follow to keep the disease quiet.
Who needs multiple myeloma treatment
- Newly diagnosed active myeloma with bone lesions, anaemia, kidney damage or high calcium
- Smouldering myeloma with high-risk features, as judged by a specialist
- Myeloma that has relapsed or stopped responding to earlier drugs
- Fit patients being considered for an autologous stem cell transplant
- Plasmacytoma (a single plasma cell tumour) needing radiotherapy and assessment
- Related conditions such as AL amyloidosis needing similar drug treatment
How it is done
- Blood and urine tests measure the abnormal protein (paraprotein and free light chains).
- A bone marrow biopsy with genetic tests and a PET-CT or whole-body MRI assess the extent and risk.
- Induction drug therapy is given in cycles, partly as injections and partly as tablets.
- For transplant candidates, stem cells are mobilised with injections and collected from the blood by apheresis.
- High-dose melphalan chemotherapy is given, followed by return of the stored stem cells.
- After recovery of counts, maintenance therapy and bone-protecting drugs continue.
Before you travel to India
- Send serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation and free light chain results.
- Share bone marrow biopsy, skeletal imaging and kidney function reports.
- Inform the team about any fractures or spinal pain, so seating and lifting help can be arranged for the flight.
- List all myeloma drugs taken so far, including dates and any side effects.
- Plan for an attendant who can stay through the transplant and early recovery.
Recovery and flying home
- Induction cycles are mostly outpatient, with weekly visits.
- An autologous transplant usually means a few weeks in a protected hospital room until counts recover.
- Patients often stay near the hospital for a period after discharge before flying home.
- Maintenance treatment and regular protein tests continue with a local haematologist.
Risks
- Infections, especially during low counts after transplant
- Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling from some drugs
- Blood clots linked to certain immunomodulatory drugs
- Mouth sores and diarrhoea after high-dose chemotherapy
- Kidney strain from the disease or the treatment
- Relapse, which is common over time and usually needs further lines of treatment
Alternatives
- Continuous drug therapy without transplant, for older or less fit patients
- Radiotherapy, for painful bone lesions or a single plasmacytoma
- CAR T-cell or bispecific antibody therapy, for relapsed myeloma
- Clinical trials of new agents, where available
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for multiple myeloma treatment
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
- Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR
- Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, JaipurJaipur
Specialists
- Dr Nitin SoodMedanta - The Medicity
- Dr Santanu SenKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Dr Ganesh JaishetwarYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
- Dr Satya Prakash YadavMedanta - The Medicity
- Dr Parinitha Reddy GuthaYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
- Dr K Ashok KumarYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
Frequently asked questions
Is the stem cell transplant for myeloma done with a donor?
Usually not. Most myeloma transplants are autologous, which means your own stem cells are collected and given back. Donor transplants are rarely used for myeloma.
Why is my kidney function so important?
The abnormal protein made by myeloma can damage the kidneys. Kidney function affects drug choice and doses. Some patients need dialysis support at first.
Will I need treatment for the rest of my life?
Many people stay on maintenance tablets for a long time after transplant. Myeloma tends to return, and further treatment is then given. Your haematologist will explain the expected plan.
Can weak bones from myeloma be protected?
Yes. Bone-strengthening drugs are given by injection or drip, and fractures may need surgery or a cement procedure. Radiotherapy can ease painful areas.
How long should an international patient plan to stay for a myeloma transplant?
Plan for several weeks covering tests, stem cell collection, the transplant and early recovery. If induction is also done in India, the stay is longer. The team gives a timeline after reviewing your reports.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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