Multiple Myeloma Treatment

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler’s disease, is a cancer of plasma cells. These are white blood cells found in bone marrow that produce antibodies to fight infections. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, producing excessive immunoglobulin proteins that accumulate in the blood and organs, leading to organ damage.

These cells crowd out normal blood cells and release substances that damage bones, causing lytic lesions. Over time, the disease leads to weakened bones, anemia, kidney issues, and immune suppression.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Early symptoms may be absent or vague. Common signs include:

Loss of appetite
Low RBC count (anemia)
Weakness and fatigue
Low WBC count (infections)
Low platelets (bleeding)
Bone pain (especially back or ribs)
High calcium levels (thirst, nausea, confusion)
Kidney failure or damage

Causes of Multiple Myeloma

Starts with a single abnormal plasma cell in the bone marrow
Cancer cells multiply rapidly and do not die like normal cells
Abnormal antibodies (M proteins) cause kidney damage and immune suppression

Diagnosis

Physical exam
Complete blood count (CBC)
Calcium and kidney function tests
Urine tests for abnormal proteins
Electrophoresis (immunoglobulin levels)
Imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray)
Bone marrow biopsy

Risk Factors

Age (commonly affects those over 60)
Male gender
Genetic predisposition
Obesity
Radiation exposure

Treatment Options

First-Line Treatments

Targeted therapy: Attacks cancer cell vulnerabilities
Biologic therapy: Boosts immune response
Chemotherapy: Kills fast-growing cells
Stem cell transplant: Healthy donor stem cells are infused after chemotherapy
Radiation therapy: Used for localized bone lesions

Supportive Care

Anemia treatment
Pain management (e.g., bisphosphonates for bone pain)
Adequate hydration

Relapse Treatment

Reintroduction of anti-myeloma drugs if the disease returns after remission

Duration of Treatment

Treatment duration varies by patient age, health, and cancer stage. It may last 3 months to over a year depending on response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the survival rate for Multiple Myeloma?
A: The 5-year survival rate is approximately 49%, but this varies based on several factors.

Q: What Determines the Treatment Plan?
A: Age, test results, general health, symptoms, and past treatments.

Q: Why Does Multiple Myeloma Cause Kidney Damage?
A: Abnormal proteins and high calcium from bone breakdown damage kidneys.

Q: How is Bone Marrow Transplant Done?
A: Stem cells are harvested, patient receives high-dose chemotherapy, and then stem cells are infused back.

Q: How Long Does Treatment Last?
A: Varies from 3 months to over a year depending on cancer response and patient condition.