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Medical Treatments

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells usually help the body fight infections by making antibodies, but in multiple myeloma, these cells become cancerous. They start multiplying out of control, which crowds out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to issues like anemia, fatigue, and frequent infections.
In multiple myeloma, the cancerous plasma cells also produce abnormal proteins. These proteins can damage different parts of the body, especially the bones and kidneys. Bones may become weak or even break easily, which is why people with multiple myeloma often experience bone pain or fractures. These abnormal proteins can also damage the kidneys, leading to kidney problems or failure.
Though the cause of multiple myeloma is not fully known, factors like age, family history, and certain chemical exposures may increase the risk. Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants, which aim to control the disease and improve quality of life. However, there is no complete cure for multiple myeloma yet, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.

Signs & Symptoms

 Symptoms of this condition may vary but often include the following:

  • Bone pain: Often in the back, ribs, or hips due to bone damage or fractures.
  • Weakness or fatigue: Resulting from anemia or the body's inability to produce enough healthy red blood cells.
  • Frequent infections: Because abnormal plasma cells don't make effective antibodies.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Nausea or constipation: Caused by high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia).
  • Kidney problems: High levels of abnormal proteins can damage the kidneys, leading to difficulty in filtering waste.
  • Bruising or bleeding: Low levels of platelets can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.
Causes

 While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is not fully understood, certain factors can contribute to its development:

  • Genetic mutations: Changes in the DNA of plasma cells may lead to cancer development.
  • Age: Most cases occur in people over the age of 60.
  • Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals may increase the risk.
  • Family history: Having a family member with multiple myeloma may increase the likelihood of developing it.
When to seek medical attention?

 You should consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent bone pain or unexplained fractures.
  • Weakness or fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.
  • Frequent infections or illnesses.
  • Unexplained weight loss or severe fatigue.
  • Any symptoms of kidney problems (e.g., swelling, fatigue, or changes in urine output).
Diagnostics & Tests

 To diagnose multiple myeloma, doctors may use a combination of the following tests:

  • Blood tests are performed to check for abnormal proteins (M proteins), high calcium levels, and kidney function.
  • Urine tests: To detect the presence of Bence-Jones proteins, an abnormal protein found in multiple myeloma.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is taken to look for cancerous plasma cells.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are used to look for bone damage or fractures.
  • Bone density tests: To assess the health of the bones, as multiple myeloma weakens them.
Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

  • Follow the treatment plan as your doctor advises, including medications and therapy.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps support kidney function.
  • Maintain a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your immune system.
  • Get regular check-ups to monitor your health and catch any changes early.
  • Exercise gently: Light exercises, like walking, can help maintain bone strength and improve well-being.
  • Take prescribed bone-strengthening medications to prevent fractures.

 Don'ts:

  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity: This can increase the risk of bone fractures.
  • Don't skip medication: Missing prescribed medication doses can hinder treatment effectiveness.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: These habits can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.
  • Don't ignore symptoms: Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

  1. nhs.uk | Multiple myeloma - Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (.gov) | Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma)
  3. Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation | Multiple Myeloma Treatments | Drugs & Treatment by Stage
  4. Cancer Research Institute | Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma
  5. Cancer Research UK | Treatment options for myeloma

Frequently Asked Questions For Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and response to therapy. It may involve ongoing maintenance therapy to keep the cancer under control after initial treatments.

A balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. If your calcium levels are already elevated due to the disease, you may also need to limit foods high in calcium.

Cancerous plasma cells can break down bone tissue, leading to bone pain, fractures, and increased calcium levels in the blood.

Life expectancy varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis and how well the patient responds to treatment. With advances in treatment, many patients live for several years after diagnosis.

Best Hospitals in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Explore All Hospitals in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
High-quality treatments and personalized care at Gleneagles Hospital via VivaVel.com
Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore

6A Napier Road, Singapore 258500

Global patient services at Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore – coordinated by VivaVel.com for seamless treatment journeys
Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore

1 Farrer Park Station Road, #02-01 Connexion, Singapore 217562

Advanced medical technology at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur – trusted by global patients through VivaVel.com
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

282, 286 & 288, Block A, B, and Medical Office Block, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Berembang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seamless international patient services at Prince Court Medical Centre – supported by VivaVel.com
Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur

39, Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

International patient services at Pantai Kuala Lumpur – guided by VivaVel.com for a seamless experience
Pantai Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

8, Jalan Bukit Pantai, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

International patient helpdesk at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur – guided by VivaVel.com
ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC), Kuala Lumpur

No. 2, Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa ParkCity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Top Doctors in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

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A. V. S. Suresh
  • Dr. A. V. S. Suresh
  • Senior Consultant
  • Medical Oncology | Hematology
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Continental Hospitals

Dr. A. V. S. Suresh is a distinguished Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad. With over two decades of clinical ex...

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Gaurav Dixit
  • Dr. Gaurav Dixit
  • Unit Head Of Hemato-Oncology
  • Hematology | Bone Marrow Transplantation...
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Artemis Hospital

Dr. Gaurav Dixit is a highly experienced Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Specialist who currently leads the Haemato-Oncology Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram....

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Rayaz Ahmed
  • Dr. Rayaz Ahmed
  • Senior Director - Oncology
  • Oncologist | Hematologist
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. Rayaz Ahmed is a director with expertise in Cancer Care/Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematology Oncology, and hematology (Hematology) at Max Super Speciality Hospita...

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Soumya Bhattacharya
  • Dr. Soumya Bhattacharya
  • Consultant
  • Haematologist
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata

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Roshan Dikshit
  • Dr. Roshan Dikshit
  • Senior Consultant
  • Hematologist & Transplant Specialist
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka

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Nitin Sood
  • Dr. Nitin Sood
  • Vice Chairman
  • Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplan...
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon

Dr. Nitin Sood is a distinguished Clinical Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist with nearly thirty years of clinical, academic, and research exper...

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