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The Best Multiple Myeloma Treatments

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that attacks plasma cells in the blood, eventually resulting bone erosion. Besides the plasma, multiple myeloma also affects the bone marrow and the immune system. Many people with the disease are asymptomatic, so your doctor may just monitor your condition. However, if levels of M protein increase in your blood or urine, it is a sign the disease is progressing and your doctor may recommend one of many treatment options.

  1. Standard Treatment

    • Chemotherapy is often used when treating multiple myeloma to kill off cancerous cells. When M protein levels stabilize, it is discontinued. However, if levels begin to increase again, your doctor may commence chemo another time. Powerful drugs such as steroids and thalidomide are also used to combat multiple myeloma but a newer drug called bortezomib, which blocks proteasomes and causes cancer cells to die, has been twice as effective as previous medicines, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another new drug, lenalidomide, works much like thalidomide but it is much more potent and has less side effects.

    Stem Cell

    • Stem cell therapy for people with multiple myeloma is administered in conjunction with high doses of chemotherapy. Using stem cells from your healthy blood or bone marrow (or those from a donor), your doctor will attempt to replace the cancerous cells with healthy ones. Healthy stem cells are usually harvested after a three or four month regimen of drug therapy to kill off high levels of cancerous cells. You will then undergo the transplant soon after the harvest or at the time you relapse again.

    Home Treatment

    • The proper self-care is key to remaining healthy with multiple myeloma. It is important to remain active because exercise enhances bone health. Your doctor may prescribe medication to limit your pain if it interferes with activity. It is also important to remain hydrated. By drinking lots of fluids, you are also aiding your kidneys in diluting the levels of protein in your urine. Finally, a healthy and balanced diet is a good way to maintain your overall health and fight off a relapse of multiple myeloma.

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