Multiple myeloma is a plasma-cell cancer of the bone marrow. Treatment is not one fixed protocol: the German hematology team needs to review disease stage and risk, symptoms and organ involvement, cytogenetic or molecular findings, previous treatment, response history, transplant fitness and current complications. Heidelberg Myeloma Center and Ulm's specialist leukemia-lymphoma-myeloma program both publish broad myeloma pathways that include modern systemic therapy, stem-cell transplantation and cellular therapy for selected patients.
Start with the exact disease status, not only the diagnosis name
A useful specialist review should clarify whether the patient has newly diagnosed disease, relapsed or refractory myeloma, and which prior treatment lines have already been used. The treatment sequence can differ substantially between a fit newly diagnosed patient, a patient relapsing after transplant and a patient being evaluated for CAR-T or another immune therapy.
What a German myeloma center needs to review
International referrals should include the evidence needed to reconstruct both disease biology and prior treatment response.
- Bone-marrow pathology and plasma-cell percentage
- Cytogenetic / FISH and molecular risk findings when available
- Serum and urine electrophoresis / immunofixation and free light chains
- Hemoglobin, calcium, kidney function and other current laboratory results
- Current imaging for bone or extramedullary disease
- Complete systemic-treatment history with response and toxicity
- Previous autologous or allogeneic transplant details
- Previous CAR-T, bispecific antibody or other immune therapy if applicable
- Current symptoms, infections, neuropathy and performance status
Autologous stem-cell transplant remains one possible treatment component
Heidelberg lists high-dose therapy with autologous blood stem-cell transplantation among its clinical myeloma focuses, while Ulm documents high-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation for multiple myeloma. Whether transplant belongs in an individual plan depends on age, fitness, disease biology, prior therapy and the wider treatment strategy.
CAR-T is an option only for selected disease settings
Ulm and Freiburg publish CAR-T treatment for multiple myeloma within highly specialized cellular-therapy programs. The exact product, eligibility criteria and sequence depend on current approvals, previous treatment and specialist assessment. A patient should not travel assuming that a prior myeloma diagnosis alone establishes CAR-T eligibility.
Modern myeloma care also includes antibody-based treatment
Heidelberg's current myeloma program includes combinations using established and newer agents, and its 2026 research program reports active investigation of bispecific-antibody combinations. The relevant point for an international patient is that treatment options and sequencing evolve quickly, so the German center should review the current disease status rather than simply repeat an old regimen recommendation.
Radiotherapy can be part of supportive or local disease control
Heidelberg lists radiotherapy within its myeloma treatment spectrum. It can be used for selected painful or structurally important lesions, but it is not a substitute for systemic myeloma treatment when disease is widespread. The hematology and radiation-oncology teams should coordinate the indication.
Plan infection and follow-up logistics before travel
Myeloma therapy can involve significant immune suppression and repeated monitoring. Before travelling, ask which laboratory checks, infection precautions, transfusion support, imaging and emergency access are required, how long the patient should remain near the center and which parts of follow-up can safely continue with the home-country hematology team.
Sources and review
This guide was last source-reviewed on 2026-08-30.
- Multiple myeloma – clinical focus and treatment options — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗
- Ulm Centre for Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma — Ulm University Hospital ↗
- CAR-T cell therapy including relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma — University Medical Center Freiburg ↗
- 2026 Heidelberg myeloma immunotherapy research update — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗