MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Multiple myeloma has many types: light chain, non-secretory, solitary plasmacytoma, and extramedullary plasmacytoma.

Light Chain Myeloma

Majority of people with myeloma have abnormal antibodies. In light chain myeloma, there is the presence of an incomplete light chain antibody. Around 20% of individuals with myeloma have this kind. These proteins can gather in the kidneys and harm them.

Non-Secretory Myeloma

This condition results when an individual does not make enough M proteins. A bone marrow biopsy can help analyze this sort of myeloma.

Solitary Plasmacytoma

This results when plasma cells become tumor cells and rapidly spread to the bone and even on the other parts of the body. If you have more than one in various areas, it’s multiple myeloma.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma

These tumors may be located in the soft tissues, external to the bone marrow, such as the throat or the nasopharyngeal tracts.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma include the following:

• Bone pain on the chest or back
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Weight loss
• Weakness of the lower extremities
• Excessive thirst

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will obtain a complete medical history and physical exam. Tests may include the following:

• Complete blood count
• Chemistry profile including albumin, calcium, L-lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine
• Beta2-microglobulin level
• Antibody levels and antibody type
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Immunofixation electrophoresis
• Free light chain assay in serum
• Urinalysis
• 24-hour urine protein level
• Urine protein electrophoresis
• Imaging studies such as bone (skeletal) survey, X-ray, MRI, CT, and PET
• Bone marrow biopsy or bone marrow aspiration
• Cytogenetic analysis

TREATMENT

Standard treatment choices include:

Targeted therapy

Targeted treatment centers around abnormalities inside cancer cells that enable them to survive. Bortezomib, carfilzomib and ixazomib are drugs that hinder the activity of a substance in myeloma cells that separates proteins. This activity makes myeloma cells die.

Other targeted treatments are monoclonal antibodies that attach to proteins present on myeloma cells, making them die.

Biological therapy

Biological treatment drugs strengthen your body’s immune system to fight against melanoma. The medications thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide upgrade the immune system cells that recognize and assault cancer cells. They are usually taken orally.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can destroy cancer cells, including myeloma cells. Chemotherapy medications can be given through a vein in your arm or taken by the mouth. Chemotherapy drugs are given at high doses before bone marrow transplantation.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can control inflammation in the body. Examples are prednisone and dexamethasone. They can also treat myeloma. Corticosteroids can be taken by the mouth or given through a vein in your arm.

Bone marrow transplant

A bone marrow transplant is a method to supplant your unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Radiation therapy

X-rays and protons are used to kill myeloma tumor cells. Radiation treatment might be utilized to rapidly shrivel myeloma cells in a region.