Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that occurs when a specialized white blood cell, a plasma cell, begins to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Normal plasma cells are a part of the immune system that produces antibodies to help fight against infections and keep us healthy. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells produce antibodies that are ineffective.
Multiple myeloma occurs when the overgrowth of plasma cells takes place in multiple areas of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft spongy tissue in the middle part of the bone where blood cells are formed.
Most people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are over 65 years old. In Canada, about 3,900 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma every year. There is a less than 1% chance of developing multiple myeloma.
It is not known what causes myeloma. Normally, only 5% or less of the bone marrow is made up of plasma cells. When a plasma cell becomes abnormal and begins multiplying, the cells are then called myeloma cells. Some risk factors for developing multiple myeloma include:
There are other possible risk factors, such as exposure to high dose radiation and chemicals, but these have not been proven.
Because it is not known what causes multiple myeloma, it is not possible to prevent this disease. However, you have a number of options for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma often develops slowly and may not always have signs or symptoms. For people with multiple myeloma who are not experiencing symptoms, they may not need to start treatment right away. However, they will need regular visits to their doctor to monitor the progression of the disease.
You may need treatment for the disease if:
The different types of treatment include:
Chemotherapy and newer therapies are common treatments for multiple myeloma. These medications directly damage and kill the abnormal myeloma cells. These medications are specifically designed to quickly attack multiplying cells, but they can also damage normal cells. To reduce the damaging effects and adverse events of these medications, your doctor will carefully determine the type and dose of the medication as well as the duration of treatment.
A person with multiple myeloma can take the medication by mouth or through intravenous injection. The medication must be taken over a period of time, often months. If the level of M proteins stabilizes, you may be able to stop chemotherapy treatment.
Stem cell transplantation involves a combination of chemotherapy to wipe out the diseased cells and the transfusion of a special type of cells called stem cells. Stem cells from you or a donor are transfused into your body to replace damaged bone marrow.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays that penetrate the body to destroy myeloma cells. The radiation targets a specific area, often where a tumour has developed. The treatment may be given for a few days or up to several weeks. It may also relieve bone pain.
Bisphosphonates are medications injected into the vein that reduce the likelihood of bones breaking from the myeloma. They may also lessen bone pain.
To treat the anemia that is often associated with multiple myeloma, a group of medications called erythropoietin stimulating agents may be prescribed. They cause the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Multiple-Myeloma
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