Multiple Myeloma Alternative

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which originates in bone marrow. The disease characteristically occurs in multiple areas of bone, and causes kidney problems, bone erosion and degraded function of the marrow and the immune system. While multiple myeloma cannot currently be cured, it can be treated quite effectively, and some patients survive decades after diagnosis. Alternative myeloma therapies are gaining wide acceptance in the cancer community, although patients will need help selecting truly effective treatments.

Ground Rules to Alternative Treatment

• Alternative therapies for multiple myeloma are actually complementary therapies. No mainstream sources recommend that you abandon medical care, or experiment with other treatments without your doctor's awareness and consent. The cancer community uses terms like integrative medicine (IM) and complementary alternative medicine (CAM) to emphasize the continued importance of medical treatment.

  Alternative therapies must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Not all therapies are effective, and some may cause you harm. Additionally, multiple myeloma progresses differently in patients, and certain therapies may be more suitable in a given circumstance.

Integrative Medicine

• Integrative medicine emphasizes treating each patient as an individual with a vital stake in making treatment choices. Rather than having your doctor dictate your options, it encourages partnership, allowing you to voice your concerns and perceptions during treatment. Your pain and discomfort, for example, are generally taken as serious consequences, requiring modification of the treatment approach whenever possible. Mental and spiritual well-being are also important factors. Additionally, good integrative treatment relies on using only scientifically validated research as a means of approving particular alternative therapies.

Complementary Alternatives

• Complementary alternative therapies come in many forms. Generally, their goal is to provide for patient well-being during conventional cancer treatment. Particular goals include relief of chemotherapy side effects, management of disease symptoms and maintenance of quality of life.

  Some alternative therapies emphasize stress management and an enhanced sense of focus and self-awareness. Examples of potentially effective options here are yoga, massage, Reiki and tai chi. Other therapies focus on diminishing particular symptoms or side effects. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, mind-body therapies and therapeutic massage are options that have proved effective. Other potentially helpful therapies still under investigation are hypnosis, mindfulness meditation and healing touch.

  Some therapies show no positive effect, or cause actual harm. Substances to look out for include shark cartilage, St. John's wort, laetrile and concentrated vitamin supplements. Antioxidants may also interfere with effective treatment.

  Potential alternative therapies are so numerous that an effective approach will require solid planning. You may wish to seek out practitioners who already include integrative and complementary approaches in their work. Similarly, you may want to contact others who have used alternative sources and learn from their experiences. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, whose scope of activity also includes multiple myeloma, maintains a solid database of tips, suggestions, insurance information and overall resources. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is also an excellent resource.