Get MMoreInformed

MMoreInformed is a resource designed to inspire and guide patients and care partners facing the profound challenges of multiple myeloma (MM). Our mission is to ensure everyone living with MM, and those caring for them, has access to reliable, easy-to-understand information; feels empowered to take control of their care by partnering with their care team; and can connect with a multiple myeloma specialist.

Watch Jon's video

What is Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)?

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow – the soft, spongy tissue at the center of your bones. In healthy bone marrow, normal plasma cells make antibodies to protect the body from infection. In multiple myeloma, these cells become abnormal and divide uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and producing antibodies that don't work the way they should.

Multiple myeloma that comes back after treatment is called relapsed multiple myeloma, and cancer that does not respond to previous treatments that were previously effective is called refractory multiple myeloma.

Jon’s Story

Meet Jon, a writer, father, and patient living with multiple myeloma. His journey with multiple myeloma started when he was diagnosed in his 30s. At the height of his career—and beginning a new life as a father—Jon was given a devastating prognosis: he had less than two years to live. In the years since, Jon has refused to let multiple myeloma hold him back. By partnering closely with his care team, he has actively managed his treatment—receiving approved therapies and joining clinical trials each time his cancer relapsed. Jon’s story is just one of the many inspiring MMoreInformed.

Who Multiple Myeloma Impacts

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the U.S.

The majority of people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are older adults, most after the age of 55

Men are 50% more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women

Black Americans represent 14% of the U.S. population but make up nearly 20% of the myeloma patient population

Multiple Myeloma Treatments

With numerous new classes of treatment options approved over the last decade, multiple myeloma care has seen significant advances. Initial, or “frontline,” treatment for multiple myeloma usually involves targeted drug combinations—regimens which utilize three to four different drug classes, such as protease inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, and steroids, as well as autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for eligible patients.

Many patients may need several rounds of treatment over the course of the disease, especially if multiple myeloma comes back (relapses) or stops responding to treatments (refractory). Depending on where you are on your journey and your previous treatments, several approaches may be explored with your care team, including:

Jon’s Story

In his journey with multiple myeloma, Jon has received a variety of treatments and has participated in two clinical trials. When his body stopped responding to previous treatment, Jon consulted his multiple myeloma specialist who recommended he receive CAR T therapy. He has been in remission ever since.

Alkylating Agents:

These are chemotherapy drugs that directly damage the DNA of cells, preventing them from growing and resulting in their death.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs):

These treatments combine chemotherapy with a monoclonal antibody. The antibody attaches to specific proteins on myeloma cells and delivers chemotherapy directly to them, helping to kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

Bispecific Antibodies:

These engineered antibodies are designed to attach to two different targets at the same time: one on the myeloma cell and one on a T cell (a type of immune cell). By bringing the T cell directly to the myeloma cell, bispecific antibodies help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

CAR T-Cell Therapy:

This type of immunotherapy takes a portion of a patient’s own white blood cells, called T cells, and modifies them in a lab to use new receptors which target proteins expressed by cancer cells. It is an individualized, one-time, single infusion treatment. The CAR T-cell infusion process includes blood cell collection, CAR T-cell creation, conditioning chemotherapy, infusion, and side-effect monitoring.

Immunomodulatory Agents (IMiDs):

These medications boost the body’s own immune system to recognize and fight the myeloma cells more effectively. They can also act directly on myeloma cells and interfere with signals in the bone marrow that help the cancer grow and survive.

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs):

These are laboratory-produced drugs designed to act like the patients’ immune system and attack cancer cells.

Proteasome Inhibitors (PIs):

These drugs block a vital system within cancer cells that is responsible for breaking down and clearing out old or damaged proteins. When this system is blocked, these proteins build up to toxic levels inside the cancer cells, causing them to die.

Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export (SINEs):

These drugs work by trapping important cancer-fighting proteins inside the cancer cell's control center, the nucleus. This helps them kill the cancer cell.

Jon’s Story

By working closely with a multiple myeloma specialist throughout his treatment journey, Jon has received specialized care and vital access to clinical trials and the latest treatment options.

Clinical Trials

Your care team may also suggest participation in a clinical trial. These research studies evaluate innovative new treatments, novel drug combinations, or new ways of using existing therapies. Participating in a clinical trial may offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet widely available.

Find a Multiple Myeloma Specialist

Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer, so many doctors may encounter few or no myeloma patients in their practices. For diseases that are rare or particularly complicated, such as multiple myeloma, seeking a doctor with specialized medical knowledge helps ensure all treatment options are considered.

Multiple myeloma specialists are hematologist-oncologists with deep, focused expertise. They help identify the best treatment for their patient's individual needs based on the most current knowledge. These specialists collaborate effectively with general oncologists and existing care teams, providing a comprehensive, expert-driven approach. Consulting with a multiple myeloma specialist early in your diagnosis can be extremely beneficial. A specialist works alongside your primary oncologist—not to replace them, but to offer expert guidance throughout your journey over time, especially around complex treatments that require extra planning and preparation.

Your care team can also work with you to create a multiple myeloma care plan mapping out your healthcare appointments and medications, as well as any other relevant logistics for you and your support system, to help navigate your treatment journey. During your next appointment, ask your doctor, nurse, or care coordinator about creating or updating a personalized written care plan.

To find a multiple myeloma specialist near you, visit

HealthTree Foundation - Myeloma International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation^® (MMRF^®)

Share Your Story

Living with multiple myeloma is a deeply personal journey, and sharing your experience as a multiple myeloma patient or care partner can help others better understand the disease, feel less alone, and find comfort and strength during challenging moments.

Patient and care partner stories can help raise awareness about the realities of multiple myeloma and inform and empower the community.

If you are interested in sharing your story as a patient or care partner living with multiple myeloma, opt in to share your story, and a member of our team will reach out with any next steps.

Share Your Story

Advocacy Resources

Our advocacy partners offer a wealth of helpful information—from tips on living with multiple myeloma and treatment options to guides on talking with your doctor, plus details on local meetups, regular webinars, and more. Click below to explore their websites.