Treatments for Myeloma

Your body contains many types of cells. If myeloma develops, plasma cells within your body begin to malfunction. An accumulation of these cells will create masses or tumors that become cancerous. Myeloma commonly affects the bone marrow. Myeloma cancer can then result in bone erosion. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of cancer can result in the dysfunction of bone marrow and your immune system. You can then develop anemia and infection, or kidney issues. Unfortunately there is no cure for myeloma. If symptoms begin to manifest from the disease, there are various treatments that can help you.

Stem Cell

• With stem cell transplantation, you will begin a course of chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells. Once chemotherapy is completed, immature stem cells are retrieved from your marrow or blood. The stem cells will be placed back into your marrow where they can replicate. According to the Mayo Clinic, a stem cell transplant will not cure your myeloma, but it will extend your chances for survival.

Drug Therapy

• Drug therapy includes drugs such as bortezomib. According to the Mayo Clinic, bortezomib helps to kill cancer cells. Other drugs may include lenalidomide or thalidomide. Thalidomide is initially administered when myeloma is first detected. Drug therapy is given to candidates who do not qualify for stem cell transplantation.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for myeloma. You can take chemotherapy through an IV or by pill. Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells, and it may be given over a period of months. After the initial dose of chemotherapy, you will be given a rest period to allow the chemotherapy to take its course. If your protein levels begin to stabilize, you will be taken off of chemotherapy. If however, these protein levels begin to rise, chemotherapy may be started again.

Radiation Therapy

• According to the Mayo Clinic, high energy waves are used to damage myeloma cells. As a result, the myeloma cells are prevented from growing. In most cases, radiation therapy is aimed at specific sites to eradicate myeloma cells. Radiation therapy may be given to shrink a tumor that is causing you pain or is destroying your bone.

Treatment for Complications

• If bones become broken as a result of myeloma, surgery may be needed to repair the bones. Drugs such as pamidronate can be administered to help prevent any further damage to your bones. According to the Mayo Clinic, liquid plastic or an inflatable bone tamp can be injected into the skeleton to help alleviate bone pain or reduced height. If your spinal cord becomes compressed as a result of myeloma, steroids and radiation can help treat the compression.

Home Treatments

• Because myeloma can damage bones, you can stay active to help keep your bones stronger. Exercises that are not stressful on the body include swimming. If you are unable to exercise, you may need to speak with your doctor about pain management. Eating healthy cannot only help you maintain your health, but is essential when you have developed any form of cancer.