Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a common blood cancer arising from plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells which produce antibodies, also called immunoglobulins, to help fight infection. When the plasma cells become malignant, they grow out of control, crowd out the normal blood cells that help fight infection and disease
The common age at diagnosis in India is 52-61 years which is comparatively a decade earlier than western population, however it has been diagnosed in younger people as well
Multiple myeloma symptoms may vary by patient, with the early stages of myeloma often presenting no visible symptoms or signs. The most common multiple myeloma symptoms include:
• Bone pain or bone fractures
• Severe Back Pain
• Fatigue (related to anemia)
• Increased vulnerability to infections (related to low levels of white blood cells)
• High levels of calcium in the blood, or hypercalcemia, causing changes in urination, restlessness, confusion, increased thirst, nausea, and loss of appetite
• Impaired kidney function, resulting in a number of additional complications
Diagnosis of MM is based on various tests which include physical evaluation, patient history, symptoms, and diagnostic testing results. The initial evaluation to help confirm a diagnosis of myeloma includes blood and urine tests, as well as a bone marrow biopsy. Other tests include X-rays. MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans
Myeloma is treated by a Haematologist, who are specialized in blood functions and complications.
Outcome of Myeloma treatments has improved in the recent years. Introduction of novel drugs and newer treatment options like Stem cell transplant has significantly helped in prolonging the life of Multiple Myeloma patients
Treatments ranges from chemotherapy, steroids,newer targeted agents and stem cell transplantation. Some of these medications are taken orally, while others are given intravenously. Although each of these treatment approaches may be used alone, combinations of two or more anti-myeloma medications are commonly used.
Several factors determine treatment for multiple myeloma, including:
• Age and general health
• Results of laboratory and cytogenetic (genomic) tests
• Symptoms and disease complications
• Prior myeloma treatment
• Patient’s lifestyle, goals, views on quality of life, and personal preference
29 авг 2024
