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Why many myeloma doctors have been limiting use of dexamethasone in treatment – International Myeloma Foundation

Joseph Mikhael/X

Jan 2, 2025, 15:48

Why many myeloma doctors have been limiting use of dexamethasone in treatment – International Myeloma Foundation

International Myeloma Foundation shared a post on X:

“Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation, shares why many myeloma doctors have been limiting use of dexamethasone in treatment. Have you ever been on steroids for multiple myeloma?”

Proceed to the video attached to the post.

In the video, Dr. Joseph Mikhael discusses the negative effects of steroids, particularly dexamethasone (“dex”), on aspects like sleep, mood, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

He mentions a new initiative, “DownWithDex,” which advocates for reducing the use of dexamethasone after its initial necessity, likening it to booster rockets that are helpful early on but harmful over time if not tapered off.

More posts featuring International Myeloma Foundation.

Dr. Joseph Mikhael is a Professor in the Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope Cancer Center. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF).

Dr. Mikhael is a consultant hematologist and Director of Myeloma Research at the HonorHealth Research Institute, where he conducts Phase 1 clinical trials. He recently completed a term as Councilor on the American Society of Hematology Executive and led the ASCO guidelines for multiple myeloma.

His clinical expertise includes plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.