What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies to help the body fight infections. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow and form tumors in the bone.
What are the symptoms of myeloma?
The overgrowth of myeloma cells can lead to a variety of health problems, including bone pain, fractures, anemia, kidney damage, and weakened immune function. Symptoms of multiple myeloma can include bone pain, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, weight loss, and nausea.
How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?
Multiple myeloma is typically diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. Treatment for multiple myeloma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, or targeted therapies, depending on the individual's specific situation.
How is multiple myeloma treated?
Treatment for multiple myeloma depends on various factors, such as the stage and extent of the disease, age and overall health of the patient, and other individual factors.
Treatment options may include:
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. There are several chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and they may be given alone or in combination.
2. Immunomodulatory drugs: These drugs stimulate the immune system to attack the myeloma cells. Examples include thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide.
3. Proteasome inhibitors: These drugs block the action of proteasomes, which are enzymes that break down proteins in cells. Examples include bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib.
4. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body, as well as kill myeloma cells.
5. Stem cell transplant: This treatment involves replacing the patient's bone marrow with healthy stem cells that have been harvested from the patient or a donor. This can be an intensive treatment, but it may offer the best chance of a long-
term remission.
6. Radiation therapy: This therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill myeloma cells and shrink tumors.
7. Targeted therapy: This treatment uses drugs that target specific molecules or proteins on the surface of myeloma cells, interfering with the cell's growth and division. Examples include daratumumab, elotuzumab, and isatuximab.
Treatment for multiple myeloma is typically individualized and may involve a combination of these or other treatments, depending on the patient's specific circumstances.
Treatment options may include:
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. There are several chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and they may be given alone or in combination.
2. Immunomodulatory drugs: These drugs stimulate the immune system to attack the myeloma cells. Examples include thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide.
3. Proteasome inhibitors: These drugs block the action of proteasomes, which are enzymes that break down proteins in cells. Examples include bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib.
4. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body, as well as kill myeloma cells.
5. Stem cell transplant: This treatment involves replacing the patient's bone marrow with healthy stem cells that have been harvested from the patient or a donor. This can be an intensive treatment, but it may offer the best chance of a long-
term remission.
6. Radiation therapy: This therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill myeloma cells and shrink tumors.
7. Targeted therapy: This treatment uses drugs that target specific molecules or proteins on the surface of myeloma cells, interfering with the cell's growth and division. Examples include daratumumab, elotuzumab, and isatuximab.
Treatment for multiple myeloma is typically individualized and may involve a combination of these or other treatments, depending on the patient's specific circumstances.
