Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help the body fight infection by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow in the bone marrow and may interfere with healthy blood cell production, bone strength, kidney function, and immune protection.
At CMN Hospital, multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders are reviewed individually based on diagnosis, bone marrow findings, blood work, imaging studies, kidney function, prior treatments, current health status, and overall medical condition.
Types of Myeloma and Related Plasma Cell Disorders
Myeloma can appear in different forms. Understanding the specific diagnosis, disease activity, organ involvement, and treatment history is important before treatment options are discussed.
Multiple Myeloma
The most common form, involving abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Smoldering Myeloma
An early form that may not cause symptoms but requires careful medical monitoring.
Solitary Plasmacytoma
A single plasma cell tumor that may occur in bone or soft tissue.
Plasma Cell Leukemia
A rare and aggressive plasma cell disorder involving abnormal plasma cells in the blood.
Related diagnoses may include:
- Light Chain Myeloma
- Non-Secretory Myeloma
- IgG Myeloma
- IgA Myeloma
- IgD Myeloma
- IgE Myeloma
- Bence Jones Myeloma
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
- AL Amyloidosis
- Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of multiple myeloma may develop gradually and can vary depending on bone marrow involvement, bone damage, kidney function, calcium levels, and blood counts.
- Bone pain, especially in the back, ribs, hips, or skull
- Unexplained fractures or bone weakness
- Fatigue or weakness from anemia
- Frequent infections
- Kidney problems or changes in kidney function
- High calcium levels
- Numbness, tingling, or nerve symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bruising or bleeding
How Multiple Myeloma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing multiple myeloma usually requires blood testing, urine studies, bone marrow evaluation, and imaging. These tests help determine disease burden, organ involvement, and possible treatment options.
- Complete blood count and metabolic panel
- Serum protein electrophoresis
- Urine protein electrophoresis
- Serum free light chain testing
- Immunofixation studies
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
- Cytogenetic or molecular testing
- Kidney function testing
- Calcium level evaluation
- Bone survey, MRI, CT scan, or PET imaging when indicated
Conventional Treatment Options
Treatment for multiple myeloma depends on disease stage, symptoms, kidney function, bone involvement, prior treatment history, genetic findings, and the patient’s overall health.
- Proteasome inhibitors
- Immunomodulatory medications
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Chemotherapy in selected cases
- Targeted therapy
- Stem cell transplant evaluation when appropriate
- Bone-strengthening medications
- Radiation therapy for selected bone lesions or pain control
- Supportive care, including infection prevention and symptom management
- Clinical trials when appropriate
Advanced, Relapsed, or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Many patients who contact CMN Hospital have already received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, stem cell transplant consultation, radiation therapy, or other treatments before seeking additional options. Others may be living with relapsed, refractory, advanced, or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma.
Because myeloma can affect the blood, bones, kidneys, immune system, and overall strength of the patient, treatment recommendations cannot be based on diagnosis alone. Dr. Edgar Payán carefully reviews each patient’s laboratory findings, bone marrow results, imaging studies, organ function, prior treatments, current condition, and overall health before discussing whether CMN Hospital’s 28-day inpatient Advanced Cancer Treatment program may be appropriate.
Individualized Physician Review
At CMN Hospital, every patient is evaluated individually. Dr. Edgar Payán, General Hospital Director and Medical Director of CMN Hospital, personally reviews each patient’s blood work, urine studies, pathology reports, bone marrow findings, imaging studies, kidney function, previous treatments, current health status, and other relevant medical records.
Following this comprehensive review, Dr. Payán meets personally with each patient during a consultation to discuss the findings, answer questions, determine whether CMN Hospital’s 28-day inpatient Advanced Cancer Treatment program may be appropriate, and explain the treatment options available based on the patient’s individual medical evaluation.
If a patient proceeds with treatment, Dr. Payán oversees their care throughout their inpatient stay and continues to personally monitor their progress through scheduled monthly Zoom follow-up appointments after discharge.