Treatments for Smoldering Myeloma

Smoldering myeloma is a type of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow produce too much of a specific type of protein. Though patients with smoldering myeloma rarely experience symptoms, the condition should be monitored because it can progress into a more serious form of the condition, such as multiple myeloma. Doctors generally diagnose smoldering myeloma when they detect it through a blood test for something unrelated.

Early Symptoms and Treatment

• Since smoldering myeloma rarely has symptoms, it can be difficult to detect. However, some patients who suffer from smoldering myeloma may experience mild anemia or bone lesions. So doctors may work with patients to treat these conditions, though the main form of treatment early on is just to observe the patient regularly and watch for signs that the disease is progressing or changing into another form of cancer.
  Treatment for smoldering myeloma patients generally involves managing any pain they may experience as well as trying to prevent further spread of the disease.

Medical Treatments

• Doctors may use chemotherapy to treat smoldering myeloma, especially if it progresses into multiple myeloma. They may also use radiation therapy to target the infected plasma cells.
  Doctors may also prescribe oral medications, such as corticosteroids. These medications work in low doses to treat myeloma symptoms. Doctors may also give myeloma patients other oral medications to kill cancerous cells or block further cancerous cell production.
  For smoldering myeloma that has not progressed into multiple myeloma, doctors may use bisphosphonates, which are a series of medications designed to prevent bone loss.
  In some cases, doctors may recommend stem cell transplantation for myeloma patients. In this procedure, doctors collect stem cells from your blood or bone marrow, and then use chemotherapy and the stem cells to replace the infected bone marrow plasma cells.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Getting plenty of exercise and physical activity can help manage smoldering myeloma symptoms. Exercise helps maintain bone health, which is important in preventing further spread of this disease and fighting off any related infections. You may need pain management in order to be able to exercise, but your doctor can work with you to find a way to work physical activity into your day.
  Drinking plenty of fluids is also essential in managing myeloma. Since myeloma can cause excess proteins to appear in your urine, staying hydrated helps to flush out these proteins and prevent kidney damage as a result of the disease. All smoldering myeloma patients should try to drink at least half their body weight in ounces of water per day (so for example, a 200-lb person should drink 100 ounces of water per day).
  Maintaining a healthy diet also helps to keep your body as healthy as it can be, which you will need in your battle with cancer. Eating healthy means that your body is at its best to fight myeloma symptoms and prevent further complications.