Multiple myelomas are types of cancer that originate in the white blood cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells or white blood cells infected are responsible for producing antibodies to help fight against infections and diseases that attack the body. But when these cells mutate, they reproduce uncontrollably and end up causing severe complications in the human body instead of fighting germs. When cancer cells rapidly outnumber the growth of healthy red and white blood cells, disorders of the blood like anemia is common.

The monoclonal proteins or M proteins that the normal plasma cells produce are the abnormal antibodies that cannot fight infections and diseases. Hence patients affected by multiple myeloma are constantly prone to ailments. The anomalous plasma cells end up damaging healthy tissues and organs. Bones in the spine and chest are especially prone to severe pain and damage. Because they thin down and soften, bones tend to break easily. Calcium that is no longer used by the bones accumulates making it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, thus causing permanent kidney failure.

A host of blood, urine and imaging tests, along with bone marrow sampling would reveal if a person is suffering from multiple myeloma. Multiple myelomas predominantly affect males of African origin over the age of 60; particularly, those who already have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or those with a family history of this type of cancer.

Depending on which stage of cancer, it is, and how aggressive the multiple myeloma is in an individual, doctors advice the possible course of treatment accordingly. The decision to pursue a particular type of treatment for multiple myeloma or combining one or more treatments are approaches decided by the medical team depending on the condition of the patient.

In case there are no significant symptoms of multiple myeloma, a wait-and-watch approach to observe if the disease progresses further is considered one of the preferred treatments. In the unfortunate event that there is a considerable progression of the cancer cells in the body, then routine treatments for multiple myeloma are carried out, including targeted therapy, biological therapy, medication therapy, chemotherapy, cortisone-like medicines therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and/or stem-cell transplant.

• In targeted therapy, medicines are used to specifically target the cancer cells causing them to die. Similarly, in biological therapy, the immune system is strengthened and encouraged to attack cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy is the process of administering anti-cancer medications orally or through injections in the veins or muscles directly into the bloodstream, i.e., intravenously.
• External beam radiation therapy is used in the treatments for multiple myeloma. Here, high-energy rays are aimed to destroy cancer cells in the affected bones, especially when chemotherapy and/or other medications are not as effective as a first-level treatment.
• Surgery is recommended for those who need support for their weakened bones. This is to both prevent or treat bone fractures.
• Stem-cell transplant is a treatment alternative for multiple myeloma where a high dose of chemotherapy medications are administered to kill the maximum number of mutant cells in the bone marrow. Subsequently, healthy new blood-forming stem cells are introduced into the bone marrow.