Multiple myeloma is an uncommon form of cancer that develops when a type of white blood cell, called a plasma cell, multiplies abnormally and builds up in the bone marrow.
Although still considered incurable, recent discoveries and highly successful therapies at the OSUCCC – James mean that patients with multiple myeloma can often work with their team of experts to control the disease successfully for many years.
Every person’s cancer is different, with individually unique genes and molecules driving that disease. At the OSUCCC – James, our blood cancer specialists and subspecialists are world-renowned experts who focus solely on blood and bone marrow disorders and who work together across numerous medical disciplines (hematologists, radiation oncologists, molecular and biological pathologists, genetic scientists and more) to develop individualized, highly targeted treatment plans and therapies that specifically target the molecular and biological makeup of your individual cancer.
And by offering access to the country’s most advanced clinical trials right here at the OSUCCC – James, patients know that additional options, when needed, are always available for their treatment and care.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops when a type of white blood cell, called a plasma cell, multiplies abnormally.
Over the course of months or years, myeloma cells fill the bone marrow space and interfere with the normal production of other blood cells. When the myeloma cells build up, they leave less room for healthy blood cells.
Multiple myeloma cells can eat away at areas of bone, making them weak. In fact, many people first realize they have multiple myeloma when they break a bone from minimal physical movement such as bumping into something or picking up something that would normally feel light.
The diseased plasma cells also often produce abnormal antibodies that flow into the blood and urine. In the blood, these proteins are called M proteins (monoclonal proteins). These proteins can clog the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure.
While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, about 24,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with it every year. It is most often diagnosed in patients who are 65 to 70 years old, with twice as many diagnoses occurring in African-Americans than in Caucasians.
At the OSUCCC – James, our blood cancer specialists and subspecialists are world-renowned experts who focus solely on blood and bone marrow disorders and who work together across numerous medical disciplines (hematologists, radiation oncologists, molecular and biological pathologists, genetic scientists and more) to develop personalized treatment plans and therapies that specifically target the molecular and biological makeup of each patient’s individual cancer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a blood disorder specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma symptoms may be hard to detect or may be similar to symptoms of other diseases, which can make diagnosing it difficult at first.
Later warning signs and symptoms can include:- Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs
- Frequent infections
- Feeling very tired
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Feeling very tired
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion or trouble thinking
Having symptoms does not necessarily mean you have multiple myeloma. But if you do have symptoms, you should tell your doctor, especially if symptoms are severe or have continued longer than a few weeks.
If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a blood cancer specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Multiple Myeloma Staging
There is no such thing as routine cancer, and multiple myeloma behaves differently in each person.
Staging is just one of many ways the OSUCCC – James experts use to determine a patient’s prognosis.
By using staging information (combined with other information such as genetic markers and individualized test results), the OSUCCC – James specialists and subspecialists can plan the most targeted, accurate way to treat your specific disease. This, in turn, can mean improved outcomes, faster responses to treatment and fewer side effects.
Multiple Myeloma Stages
Using the International Staging System, multiple myeloma stages are based on the levels of two proteins: beta-2-microglobulin and albumin.
Stage I
The beta-2-microglobulin level is lower than 3.5 mg/L, and the albumin level is normal.
Stage II
The beta-2-microglobulin level is lower than 3.5 mg/L, and the albumin level is below normal; or the beta-2-microglobulin level is between 3.5 mg/L and 5.4 mg/L.
Stage III
The beta-2-microglobulin is 5.5 mg/L or higher.
The James Cancer-Free World Podcast
When Matt Hare was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, his life changed in ways he never could have imagined. In this episode, we learn about the great advances being made in the treatment of multiple myeloma, Matt's treatment plan and the outcome of his transplant.