Multiple myeloma

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Antibodies

Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers

Immune system structures

Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Myeloma - multiple

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

People who have mild disease or have a doubtful diagnosis are usually carefully monitored without treatment. Some people have a slow-developing form of multiple myeloma that takes years to cause symptoms.

Treatment begins when the disease becomes worse or causes symptoms.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be performed to relieve bone pain or treat a bone tumor

Bone marrow transplantation in younger patients has been shown to increase disease-free and overall survival, but it has significant risks.

Newer therapies for multiple myeloma include thalidomide, lenalidomide (Revlimid ), and bortezomib (Velcade).

Patients with multiple myeloma should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help maintain proper kidney function.

Chemotherapy and transplants rarely lead to a permanent cure. Complete remission is unusual.

The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Survival of people with multiple myeloma depends on the patient's age and the stage of disease. Some cases are very aggressive, while others take years to get worse.

• Renal failure
• Increased susceptibility to infection (especially pneumonia)
• Paralysis from tumor or spinal cord compression
• Bone fractures

Call your health care provider if you experience decreased urine output.

Call your provider if you have multiple myeloma and infection develops, or numbness, loss of movement, or loss of sensation develops.

Review Date: 09/20/2006
Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.