| What is multiple myeloma, and how is it treated? |
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and producing abnormal proteins called monoclonal proteins or M proteins. This can lead to weakened bones, low blood counts, kidney damage, and other complications.
Treatment for multiple myeloma depends on factors such as the stage of the disease, overall health, and individual preferences. Common treatments include:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Different combinations of chemotherapy drugs may be used depending on the patient's response to treatment and the stage of the disease.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth and survival. Drugs like proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib, carfilzomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., lenalidomide, pomalidomide) are commonly used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., daratumumab, elotuzumab), help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation, may be considered for eligible patients. It involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells collected from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant).
Steroids: Steroid medications, such as dexamethasone or prednisone, may be used to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and improve treatment outcomes.
Supportive Care: Supportive care measures, such as bisphosphonates to strengthen bones, blood transfusions to improve low blood counts, and medications to protect the kidneys, may be used to manage symptoms and complications associated with multiple myeloma.
Treatment plans are individualized based on the patient's specific needs and may involve a combination of these approaches. Regular monitoring, follow-up appointments, and adjustments to treatment are important for managing multiple myeloma and optimizing outcomes.
To know more or to consult with a doctor, call us at +91-9137441392.
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell that normally helps you fight infections. In this illness, those cells go “out of control”, build up in the bone marrow and push out the healthy cells that make normal blood. People may notice bone or back pain, feeling very tired, getting infections again and again, or changes in kidney tests or calcium levels. Most people are treated with a few medicines used together in repeating rounds of treatment, and doctors usually adjust the plan to suit the person’s age and overall health. Some people who are fit enough are offered stronger treatment followed by a stem cell transplant using their own cells. Even when things improve, regular follow up and support are a long term part of care.
@archi_d Good question, and honestly the answer is “it depends a bit on the person.” For some people, a nagging back or rib pain that doesn’t match any obvious strain is one of the earlier things they notice. For others, it’s the tiredness that comes first, because the bone marrow isn’t making enough healthy red cells, so they feel washed out or short of breath doing normal things. But both bone pain and fatigue are also very common for completely everyday reasons, which is why myeloma can hide in the background for a while. Often, by the time these symptoms are strong enough to stand out, the disease has already been there quietly for some time. That’s why doctors lean so much on blood tests, urine tests and scans rather than just symptoms to figure out what’s really going on.
