Chemotherapy for Multiple Myeloma

Medically reviewed by: Craig Cole, MD

Last Updated: August 2026

 

Chemotherapy, or chemo, uses drugs to kill or damage cancer cells. These drugs are given through a vein, and some can also be given as a pill/tablet. It is a systemic (whole body) treatment.

Chemotherapy used to be one of the main treatments for multiple myeloma. Today, newer targeted therapy drugs are used more often, but it is still important in many situations. Chemo is still used:

  • Before a stem cell transplant and a CAR T-cell infusion. It lowers the number of myeloma cells in your body. It also helps stop your immune system from attacking the new cells you receive.
  • After a transplant or treatment, to help keep the cancer from coming back.
  • To relieve symptoms, such as bone pain.
  • If the cancer returns or stops responding to earlier treatments.


These are the chemotherapy drugs that are used most often to treat multiple myeloma. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list. 


Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. Each drug has its own set of side effects and ways of working. It's important to discuss all potential side effects with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell them about any side effects you have.

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All Available Treatments

IV (through a vein) =      Pill =

Treatment Type

Chemotherapy

Drug Names
(Cyclophosphamide) Cytoxan® (Pill,IV)
(Etoposide) Etopophos® (IV)
(Doxorubicin) Adriamycin® (IV)
(Liposomal doxorubicin) Doxil® (IV)
(Melphalan) Alkeran®, Evomela® (Pill,IV)
(Bendamustine) Bendeka®, Treanda® (IV)
(Cisplatin) Platinol® (IV)
(Carmustine) BiCNU® (IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Heart problems Lung problems Kidney problems Fertility issues
Potential Side Effects
Hair thinning/loss Mouth sores Weight/appetite changes Nausea/vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Low blood counts
Important Things to Know
  • Chemo drugs kill cancer cells but also can damage normal cells, which can lead to side effects. These depend on the type and dose of drugs given and how long they are taken.  
  • Most side effects go away after treatment is finished. 
  • Along with these short-term side effects, some chemo drugs can cause long-term damage to certain organs such as the heart or kidneys. The possible risks of these drugs are carefully balanced against their benefits, and the function of these organs is carefully monitored during treatment. 
  • If you want to preserve your fertility, talk with your doctor before starting chemotherapy.   
  • If you have side effects, your cancer care team can suggest steps to ease them. For example, drugs can be given along with the chemo to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. 
  • Low blood counts may put you at risk for anemia, infection, bleeding, or bruising.