Multiple Myeloma Information

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the body. Plasma cells produce immunoglobulin, antibodies that help the body fight off disease and infection. In cases of multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells multiply, resulting in symptoms ranging from kidney failure to frequent infections. Treatment depends on the stage of multiple myeloma upon diagnosis. There is no cure for multiple myeloma.

Significance

• The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation states that more than 56,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and as many as seven new cases per 100,000 people are diagnosed every year. The disease is second only to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in its prevalence, and it affects men more often than women. African Americans are at greatest risk for the disease.

Symptoms

• In its early stages, multiple myeloma may cause no symptoms. It is usually discovered accidentally during routine blood work. Symptoms vary considerably but may include symptoms of kidney problems, such as protein and calcium in the blood, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, confusion, increased thirst and urine production, and nausea or vomiting. Pain in the ribs or lower back, frequent or recurrent infections, and nervous system dysfunction may also be present. Multiple myeloma symptoms can be similar to other disorders, according to the National Cancer Institute. Even if a diagnosis of multiple myeloma is confirmed, your doctor should evaluate all your symptoms to rule out other diseases.

Effects

• The effects of multiple myeloma on the body and immune system can be catastrophic. The disease is progressive, and causes excessively high numbers of abnormal plasma cells to form in the bone marrow. As these abnormal cells continue to multiply, healthy plasma cells are crowded and overwhelmed. Multiple myeloma cells do not properly activate the body's immune system in response to harmful invaders. As multiple myeloma tumors continue to grow unchecked, they may invade the outer part of the bone and spread into cavities in the larger bones, causing multiple lesions to develop. The disease causes anemia, kidney damage, hypercalcemia, diffuse osteoporosis and vulnerability to bacterial infection.

Treatment

• Treatment of multiple myeloma depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation are usually recommended, and drugs such as Velcade, Revlimid and Thalomid are typical front-line therapies. Steroids and stem cell transplantation are effective treatments in some cases. Supportive therapy includes pain-relieving medications, administration of bisphosphonates to improve bone disease, antibiotics, growth factors and antiemetic medications.

Considerations

• Multiple myeloma patients who show no symptoms are said to be in an inactive stage of disease. Inactive myeloma does not require immediate or aggressive treatment, and patients with inactive myeloma show no tissue or organ impairment from the cancer. Generally, these patients are monitored closely and treated only with supportive measures.