Multiple myeloma is a disease that most people haven’t heard of until it impacts their lives directly. This blood cancer can sound daunting but understanding it is the first step towards creating a better future for those living with the condition.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It occurs when plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, grow uncontrollably. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections and kidney problems. In Ireland, approximately 380 people are diagnosed each year, and more than 2,000 people are living with this type of cancer. While advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates, it remains an incurable disease.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) shows encouraging progress, with five-year relative survival rates rising from 30 per cent in the mid-1990s to 60 per cent by 2020. This translates to an estimated 12,946 lives saved. While these advancements are encouraging, the outlook remains challenging for patients with relapsed disease. For those whose cancer returns or becomes resistant to treatment, the path forward can feel uncertain. Limited treatment options and a more aggressive disease course can present significant hurdles.
A diagnosis of multiple myeloma can bring a range of emotions: fear, anxiety and stress. Newly diagnosed patients might grapple with understanding the disease, the uncertainty of the future and managing the potential side effects of treatment. This can profoundly impact their daily lives. The emotional burden can also extend to caregivers and family members, who face their own challenges as they support their loved one.
Recognising and addressing the emotional needs of both people living with multiple myeloma and their families is essential for holistic care.
Addressing the challenges of multiple myeloma requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes continued research into novel therapies, improved access to care and robust support systems for patients and their families. At Johnson & Johnson, patients are at the heart of everything we do. We actively listen to their experiences and incorporate their perspectives into our research and medicine delivery. This patient-centric approach drives our commitment to developing innovative treatments and improving the overall patient experience. This includes regularly gathering feedback on treatment preferences and unmet needs, ensuring our efforts are truly aligned with the multiple myeloma community.
This commitment fuels our drive to expand our portfolio of treatments and remain at the forefront of change. We have developed five first-in-class licensed molecules in the search for a cure for multiple myeloma. Many of these treatments are manufactured at our state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical site in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, which provide medication to patients in more than 100 countries, including Ireland. The Ringaskiddy site also produced clinical trial and early access stock for a number of J&J’s multiple myeloma treatments.
Our dedication to Irish patients means providing access to these innovative treatments as early as possible. We invest in clinical trials and actively engage with the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure timely access to our therapies for eligible patients. This is demonstrated by the CARTITUDE-5 trial at St James’s Hospital Dublin, the first clinical study in Ireland of CAR-T cell therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. CAR-T harnesses the power of a patient’s own T-cells to target to eliminate tumour cells.
Beyond treatment, we empower patients to actively manage their disease through education and support. We are also proud to be at the forefront of education for healthcare professionals working in multiple myeloma. J&J is proud of our reputation for supporting the healthcare community to upskill. We provide continuous education to ensure that healthcare professionals have the knowledge and resources to provide the best possible care.
We recognise that collaboration is key to improving outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma. That’s why we are proud to support Multiple Myeloma Ireland (MMI), a patient advocacy group dedicated to helping patients and their families.
Our collaboration with Multiple Myeloma Ireland (MMI) is a cornerstone of our commitment to the Irish community. Together, we have launched impactful initiatives such as Make Blood Cancer Visible, raising crucial awareness of blood cancers, and the Better Data for Cancer initiative, advocating for the benefits of improved data in research and patient care. Most recently, our employees took part in the Miles for Myeloma initiative, collectively covering over 14,000km and raising nearly €15,000 to support MMI’s vital work. MMI provides a lifeline for patients and families through support groups, educational resources, and advocacy efforts. By collaborating with MMI, we’re ensuring patients have the resources and support they need to navigate their journey with multiple myeloma.
While multiple myeloma can be a challenging disease, there is hope for a better future. Continued research, improved treatments and strong support systems offer the potential for patients to live longer, healthier lives. By working together with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocacy groups we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Irish families affected by multiple myeloma.
Contact your doctor if you are concerned about multiple myeloma. For further information, visit multiplemyelomaireland.org
References available upon request
