76-year-old Ken Theobald was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer, multiple myeloma, in 2018. Doctors told him he had a maximum of two years to live, but taking part in an innovative clinical trial extended Ken\u2019s life. Eight years later, he feels remarkably well and spends his free time with his grandchildren.<\/p>\n
The study was led by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, and its long-term results were published in the journal Lancet Oncology<\/em>. The data show that six years after treatment, 70% of patients in the experimental group were still alive. Under standard therapy, the figure is only 40%. Moreover, 54% of participants treated with the new approach showed no signs of disease progression at all.<\/p>\n The innovative approach involves using five medications already established in healthcare \u2014 daratumumab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone \u2014 in a completely different treatment regimen. Unlike traditional practice, specialists gave patients the most intensive therapy and stem cell transplantation from the outset, then continued the combined treatment without interruption until the disease was brought under complete control.<\/p>\n The researchers selected this treatment for 107 high-risk patients based directly on the molecular biology of their disease. After completing the intensive initial phase, patients were moved to maintenance therapy. As a result, Ken Theobald now takes only two medications instead of five and is enjoying a full and active life.<\/p>\n The study\u2019s lead investigator, Professor Martin Kaiser, explains that myeloma has long posed a major challenge to medicine because, despite traditional treatments, the disease often returned rapidly in patients. According to the researcher, the results demonstrate the power of a personalized approach: \u201cWhen we tailor treatment to the biology of the disease, we can significantly extend patients\u2019 lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The scientists used a specialized genetic test called MMProfiler SKY92, which accurately identified patients at high risk. Regulatory authorities are now considering the wider adoption of this test across healthcare systems. The approach could give doctors an opportunity to identify aggressive cancer at an early stage and provide patients with personalized treatment from the outset.<\/p>\n