“Darzalex (daratumumab) reduced multiple myeloma patients’ risk of cancer progression by 70 percent when added to a standard two-drug regimen for people with recurring myeloma”
The comment below is from a relapsed multiple myeloma patient who I have been working with for some time. Janice (not her real name) has undergone induction chemotherapy, RVd (revlimid, velcade and dex), an autologous stem cell transplant and may be coming out of a partial response to her ASCT.
I am posting Janice’s question for two reasons. First, Janice is asking about a chemotherapy called Darzelex. The study below cites how darzelex can help relapsed MMers achieve remission and perhaps even a complete remission. The second reason why I’m blogging about Janice is her quote “ I’m willing to do anything to LIVE.”

Janice is already experiencing multiple side effects from her induction and ASCT therapies. Janice is also experiencing “significant numbness in my face and legs.” Yet, despite all of this collateral damage either from her MM or her toxic therapies, Janice will do anything to live. My experience is that many relapsed MM survivors feel the same way.
Certainly Darzalex may cause additional side effects. And there is no way of knowing what, if any, additional overall survival may come from this therapy. Yet Janice is willing to risk anything “to live.”
“Over the past 4 weeks, however, my m-spike took a jump from 1.2 to 1.5. my oncologist and my Mayo Clinic transplant physician have spoken, and are recommending I begin an antibody treatment called darzalex (generic name daratumumab). have you heard of it? They would give it in combination with velcade and dex. I was only able to successfully do 3 rounds of velcade a year ago and then had to quit based on the toxicity – and it stopped working. So I’m concerned. but I’m willing to do anything to LIVE. I asked if they’d consider another transplant and he said no – because my myeloma would need to be stable, and right now it’s growing (quickly.)
Over the past week I have had significant numbness in my face and legs. My onc. has started me back on dex to control that, and to hopefully control the rapid cancer growth while I make my decision about darzalex. To his credit, my onc does NOT push chemo or any traditional treatments. he tells me he’s on “my team” and whatever decision I make, he is there to support.
If you were in my shoes, would you consider the darzalex/velcade/dex prior to visiting an alternative clinic? Based on the significant numbness in my face and legs, I am afraid there is something going on perhaps with my spine, neck or kidneys and time may be of the essence.”
I have lived in complete remission from my MM since 1999 by living an evidence-based, non-toxic, anti-MM lifestyle through nutrition, supplementation, bone health, mind-body, etc. therapies. Please watch the brief video below to learn more about these therapies:
Please scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
“Darzalex (daratumumab) reduced patients’ risk of cancer progression by 70 percent when added to a standard two-drug regimen for people with recurring myeloma…
The new drug essentially doubled the response that doctors expect from the standard regimen of bortezomib (another immunotherapy drug) and dexamethasone (a steroid drug).
About 19 percent of patients given Darzalex had their cancer go into full remission, compared with just 9 percent of those taking the standard treatment, researchers found. “Very good” response rates doubled to 59 percent in the Darzalex group from 29 percent in the standard treatment group…
While it’s too soon to tell if Darzalex will provide a significant life-extending benefit to patients…”