In 2009, at the age of 61, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Prognosis was less than 5 years at the time. My hematologist said: “You mustn’t give up hope. Research is progressing. With any luck, you will benefit”.
I began treatment for an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in March 2010. It was successful and I remained in remission for 30 months. Then I began a second line with an immunomodulatory drug. It worked until late 2016, again about 30 months.
With the relapse I began a third line in a Clinical Trial in 2017. Clinical Trials are an excellent way to obtain cutting-edge medicines before they are available for public use.
Unfortunately, my myeloma progressed again after only 21 months and I required a second Stem Cell Transplant. This fourth line in late 2018 included maintenance with another immunomodulatory drug. It was successful until late 2021 when I relapsed yet again.
In January 2022 my hematologist offered me the most advanced and promising myeloma treatment available, CAR T-cell therapy, which is commercially available and fully reimbursed in France. I was very pleased to have access to this highly effective treatment. Although I was 74 years old at the time, I was fit and otherwise healthy. Because I had responded well to my previous lines of treatment, it augured well for the success of CAR T therapy. I received it in May 2021.
Today, in late 2024, I am in complete response and take no myeloma-specific medicine whatsoever. I live a totally normal life. I travel widely and freely. I exercise two yours daily without fatigue. I enjoy my family and friends. It is as if I never had a chronic illness.
CAR T-cell therapy is truly cutting-edge. As my hematologist foretold in 2009, I have benefited from the research. I believe CAR T therapy to be the first big step to a cure for myeloma.
Vårt internationella nätverk
