2

What are the best treatments for POEMS syndrome?

See the best treatments for POEMS syndrome here

POEMS syndrome treatments

Treatments for POEMS Syndrome


POEMS syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of multiple symptoms, including polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. It is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. While there is no cure for POEMS syndrome, several treatment options are available to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life.



1. Chemotherapy


Chemotherapy is often the first-line treatment for POEMS syndrome. It aims to reduce the production of abnormal plasma cells, which are responsible for the overproduction of monoclonal proteins. High-dose chemotherapy regimens, such as melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation, have shown promising results in achieving hematological remission and improving overall survival rates.



2. Radiation Therapy


Radiation therapy is commonly used to target localized symptoms in POEMS syndrome, such as bone lesions or skin changes. It can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. External beam radiation therapy or localized radioisotope therapy may be employed, depending on the specific needs of the patient.



3. Corticosteroids


Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to manage various aspects of POEMS syndrome. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce edema, improve neuropathy symptoms, and alleviate skin changes. However, long-term use of corticosteroids should be carefully monitored due to potential side effects.



4. Immunomodulatory Drugs


Immunomodulatory drugs, such as thalidomide and lenalidomide, have shown efficacy in treating POEMS syndrome. They work by modulating the immune system and reducing the production of abnormal plasma cells. These drugs can help improve neuropathy symptoms, reduce monoclonal protein levels, and enhance overall quality of life.



5. Supportive Therapies


Supportive therapies play a crucial role in managing the various symptoms associated with POEMS syndrome. These may include:



  • Pain management: Medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies can help alleviate pain caused by neuropathy or bone lesions.

  • Physical and occupational therapy: These therapies can improve mobility, strength, and functionality, enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.

  • Endocrine management: Hormone replacement therapy or other interventions may be necessary to address endocrinopathies associated with POEMS syndrome.

  • Psychological support: Counseling or support groups can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological impact of living with a chronic condition.



6. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation


In select cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may be considered as a treatment option. HSCT involves replacing the patient's diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore normal blood cell production. It is typically reserved for patients with aggressive or refractory disease who are eligible for the procedure.



7. Monitoring and Follow-up


Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential for individuals with POEMS syndrome. This allows healthcare professionals to assess treatment response, manage side effects, and adjust therapies as needed. Monitoring may involve blood tests, imaging studies, nerve conduction studies, and clinical evaluations.



It is important to note that treatment plans for POEMS syndrome should be tailored to each individual's specific needs and may vary depending on disease severity, organ involvement, and other factors. Close collaboration between hematologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists is crucial to ensure comprehensive and personalized care.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
2 routes, if you have bone lesions radiation is the way to go, if you do not then autologous stem cell treatment is your best bet for recovery. Either way meds revlimid and dexamethasone should be reviewed.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Rosemary 1000
If you have a plasmacytoma (malignant lesions) as well which is quite common then you may need radiotherapy in the first instance.

The main treatment is Lenalidamide and Dexamethazone, quite often followed up with a stem cell transplant.

Posted May 18, 2017 by Naomi 1150

POEMS syndrome treatments

POEMS syndrome life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with POEMS syndrome?

4 answers
Celebrities with POEMS syndrome

Celebrities with POEMS syndrome

1 answer
Is POEMS syndrome hereditary?

Is POEMS syndrome hereditary?

3 answers
Is POEMS syndrome contagious?

Is POEMS syndrome contagious?

3 answers
Natural treatment of POEMS syndrome

Is there any natural treatment for POEMS syndrome?

2 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of POEMS syndrome

ICD10 code of POEMS syndrome and ICD9 code

2 answers
Living with POEMS syndrome

Living with POEMS syndrome. How to live with POEMS syndrome?

2 answers
POEMS syndrome diet

POEMS syndrome diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of life of ...

3 answers

World map of POEMS syndrome

Find people with POEMS syndrome through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the POEMS syndrome community.

Stories of POEMS syndrome

POEMS SYNDROME STORIES
POEMS syndrome stories
First symptoms in the fall of 2007. Had my stem cell transplant in november 2008. It helped a lot, but I still have neuropathy issues.
POEMS syndrome stories
Hi everyone.  So we have quite the story.  When my daughter was 6 months old, my husband hurt his back...or so he thought.  But after much massage therapy and chiro and bedrest, he wasn't improving...finally he got into a neurologist who suspected...
POEMS syndrome stories
It began as a cold toe. After tests were done it was decided that it was a nerve pinched in lowere back region. Chiropractor said with therapy you won't need a back operation. 2012 back operation. Neuropathy getting worse. Saw a neurologist lumber p...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

POEMS syndrome forum

POEMS SYNDROME FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map