Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are part of your immune system, which helps protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and in the solid parts of bone.

No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma, but it is more common in older people and African-Americans. Early symptoms may include

Bone pain, often in the back or ribs

Broken bones

Weakness or fatigue

Weight loss

Repeated infections

Myeloma is hard to cure. Treatment may help control symptoms and complications. Options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and radiation.

National Cancer Institute

Multiple Myeloma on Wikipedia

'''Multiple myeloma''' (also known simply as '''myeloma''' or '''plasma cell myeloma''') is a presently incurable hematological malignancy of plasma cells, the cells of the immune system that produce antibody. Although it initially develops in the bone marrow, it spreads to the peripheral blood, lymph nodes and other organs. Its prognosis despite therapy is generally poor.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can include: malaise, anemia, infections (due to decreased immunity) and fracture (bone)s (due to breakdown of bone by malignant cells). Often, the diagnosis of multiple myeloma is made incidentally during routine blood tests for other conditions. Osteoporosis is often present in an accelerated form in myeloma patients.

Diagnosis

The existence of unexplained anemia, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and a high serum protein (especially raised globulin) may suggest further testing. A medical doctor will then order protein electrophoresis of the blood and urine, on which a paraprotein (monoclonal protein, or M protein) band can be noticed. Quantitative measurements of the paraprotein are necessary to determine the seriousness of the disease. The paraprotein is a deviant immunoglobulin produced by the tumour clone. Very rarely, the myeloma is ''nonsecretory'' (not producing immunoglobulins). In theory, myeloma can produce all classes of immunoglobulin, but IgE and IgD myeloma are very rare. Additional findings are: a raised calcium (when myeloma cells are breaking down bone, releasing calcium into the bloodstream) and decreased renal function (due to amyloid of the kidney). A bone marrow biopsy is required for a complete diagnosis. This shows over 10% plasma cells. Immunohistochemistry can confirm the plasma cell character of uncertain cells. Cytogenetics is generally not performed in myeloma, although particular aberrations ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Altarex Corp. - Focused on photoactivation and multi-epitopic development of foreign antibodies that activate and modulate the immune system for the treatment of ovarian tumors and multiple myeloma. Profile of company, clinic and science, with investor data and contacts at University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

Multiple Myeloma Survivor Stories - Resource for patients to share and receive stories from others facing this disease.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Multiple Myeloma - Provides information about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Larry's Marathon - Larry Donohue will participate in the Team in Training Marathon to raise awareness of multiple myeloma and to raise funds for research and patient aid.

Multiple Myeloma and its Journey Into My Life - Describes the transition of Tom Holm-Hansen from an active outdoors person to a cancer survivor.

General Practice Notebook: Multiple Myeloma - Clinically-oriented information.

Transplants are Miracles in Progress - Story about one man's recovery from multiple myeloma.

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation - Non-profit aims include fostering a cure by funding research. Addresses the organization, the disease, treatment options and clinical trials.

Imperial Cancer Research Fund: Multiple Myeloma - UK charity offers information about risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.

MMSupport.net - Support resource for multiple myeloma includes information, links and a forum.

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