Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow and affects plasma cells. Healthy plasma cells help fight infections in the body by making proteins called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow, resulting in tired cells and an inability to fight infections. The cause of numerous myeloma remains unclear.

Multiple myeloma starts as a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of underdetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS is characterized by low levels of M proteins in the blood.


Symptoms

There might be no symptoms when early in multiple myeloma.

When signs and symptoms occur, they can include:

  • Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips
  • Constipation
  • Infections
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mental fogginess or confusion
  • Nausea
  • Needed to urinate often
  • Thirst
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss

We encourage you to make an appointment if you have worrying symptoms.


Diagnosis

To diagnose multiple myeloma, tests, and procedures may include:

  • Blood tests: To look for M proteins made by myeloma cells, beta-2-microglobulin protein myeloma make, kidney function, blood cell counts, calcium levels, and uric acid levels.
  • Bone marrow tests: To go for lab testing to look for myeloma cells.
  • Imaging tests: To show bone problems linked with multiple myeloma.
  • Urine tests: To look for M proteins in urine, called Bence Jones proteins.

The results of your tests will help our healthcare team decide on your myeloma stage. The stages range from 1 to 3 to tell how quickly your myeloma grows. Our team uses your multiple myeloma stage to understand your diagnosis and plan your treatment.


Treatment

Multiple myeloma treatment isn’t always needed immediately if it is slow-growing and isn’t causing symptoms.

There are several treatments to control the disease:

  • Bone marrow transplant: Also known as a stem cell transplant, to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
  • CAR-T cell therapy: Trains your immune system to fight multiple myeloma.
  • Chemotherapy: Uses strong medicines to kill fast-growing cancer cells, including myeloma cells.
  • Corticosteroids: These are medicines that help control inflammation in the body, and they also work against myeloma cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Treatment with medicine that helps the body’s immune system kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: Uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy: Uses medicine that attacks specific chemicals in the cancer cells, causing them to die.

Our healthcare team considers many factors when developing your treatment plan. These include whether your multiple myeloma is likely to get worse, your age, and your overall health.