Multiple Myeloma Cancer from Diagnosis to Treatment
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
Plasma cells normally make antibodies that help fight infection. In multiple myeloma, these cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, producing large amounts of an abnormal protein called monoclonal protein, which can damage bones, kidneys, and the immune system.
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.
Plasma cells normally make antibodies that help fight infection. In multiple myeloma, these cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, producing large amounts of an abnormal protein called monoclonal protein, which can damage bones, kidneys, and the immune system.
1. Early Signs and Symptoms
• Bone pain
• Frequent bone fractures
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Nausea or constipation
• Excessive thirst or frequent urination
• Swelling in legs
• Bone pain
• Frequent bone fractures
• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Nausea or constipation
• Excessive thirst or frequent urination
• Swelling in legs
2. Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include
• Family history of myeloma or related plasma cell disorders
• Exposure to radiation or industrial chemicals
• Obesity and chronic inflammation
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include
• Family history of myeloma or related plasma cell disorders
• Exposure to radiation or industrial chemicals
• Obesity and chronic inflammation
3. Diagnostic Procedure
Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count:
Detects anemia or low platelets.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis:
Detects abnormal M protein.
Free Light Chain Assay:
Measures excess antibody light chains.
Calcium and Creatinine Levels:
High calcium and kidney dysfunction are common in myeloma.
Urine Tests
Urine Protein Electrophoresis:
Checks for Bence-Jones protein | a form of M protein.
Imaging Tests
X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan show bone damage or lesions.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Confirms diagnosis by detecting abnormal plasma cells.
Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count:
Detects anemia or low platelets.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis:
Detects abnormal M protein.
Free Light Chain Assay:
Measures excess antibody light chains.
Calcium and Creatinine Levels:
High calcium and kidney dysfunction are common in myeloma.
Urine Tests
Urine Protein Electrophoresis:
Checks for Bence-Jones protein | a form of M protein.
Imaging Tests
X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan show bone damage or lesions.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
Confirms diagnosis by detecting abnormal plasma cells.
4. Types and Staging
The Revised International Staging System uses:
Levels of β2-microglobulin and albumin in the blood
Presence of chromosomal abnormalities
Lactate Dehydrogenase level
Stage I - Low tumor burden, normal LDH, favorable genetics.
Stage II - Intermediate features.
Stage III - High tumor burden, abnormal LDH, or high-risk genetics.
The Revised International Staging System uses:
Levels of β2-microglobulin and albumin in the blood
Presence of chromosomal abnormalities
Lactate Dehydrogenase level
Stage I - Low tumor burden, normal LDH, favorable genetics.
Stage II - Intermediate features.
Stage III - High tumor burden, abnormal LDH, or high-risk genetics.
5. Treatment Options
➛ Targeted Therapy
Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib ➧ block proteasomes to kill cancer cells.
Venetoclax ➧ targets specific genetic subtypes.
➛ Immunomodulatory Drugs
Lenalidomide, Thalidomide, Pomalidomide ➧ boost immune attack on cancer cells.
➛ Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Daratumumab, Isatuximab, Elotuzumab ➧ help the immune system recognize and destroy myeloma cells.
➛ Chemotherapy
Melphalan, Cyclophosphamide ➧ used in combination with steroids or other agents.
➛ Corticosteroids
Dexamethasone or Prednisone ➧ reduce inflammation and kill myeloma cells.
➛ Stem Cell Transplant
Patient’s own stem cells are collected, high-dose chemotherapy is given to destroy diseased marrow, and stem cells are reinfused.
➛ Radiation Therapy
Used for localized bone lesions causing pain or fractures.
➛ Targeted Therapy
Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib ➧ block proteasomes to kill cancer cells.
Venetoclax ➧ targets specific genetic subtypes.
➛ Immunomodulatory Drugs
Lenalidomide, Thalidomide, Pomalidomide ➧ boost immune attack on cancer cells.
➛ Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Daratumumab, Isatuximab, Elotuzumab ➧ help the immune system recognize and destroy myeloma cells.
➛ Chemotherapy
Melphalan, Cyclophosphamide ➧ used in combination with steroids or other agents.
➛ Corticosteroids
Dexamethasone or Prednisone ➧ reduce inflammation and kill myeloma cells.
➛ Stem Cell Transplant
Patient’s own stem cells are collected, high-dose chemotherapy is given to destroy diseased marrow, and stem cells are reinfused.
➛ Radiation Therapy
Used for localized bone lesions causing pain or fractures.
6. Preferred Nutrition for Patients
Protein-rich foods:
ggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils.
Calcium-rich foods:
milk, yogurt, cheese | if kidneys are healthy.
Fruits & vegetables:
spinach, kale, berries, oranges.
Whole grains:
oats, brown rice.
Hydration:
at least 2-3 liters of water daily | unless restricted by doctor.
Healthy fats:
olive oil, nuts, avocado.
Protein-rich foods:
ggs, fish, chicken, beans, lentils.
Calcium-rich foods:
milk, yogurt, cheese | if kidneys are healthy.
Fruits & vegetables:
spinach, kale, berries, oranges.
Whole grains:
oats, brown rice.
Hydration:
at least 2-3 liters of water daily | unless restricted by doctor.
Healthy fats:
olive oil, nuts, avocado.
7. Follow-Up
➛ Regular blood tests, bone scans, and kidney monitoring are essential.
➛ Some patients may experience remission and relapse cycles.
➛ Regular blood tests, bone scans, and kidney monitoring are essential.
➛ Some patients may experience remission and relapse cycles.
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