Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood that is caused by the uncontrolled production of abnormal plasma cells. Currently, there is no cure for multiple myeloma, however, there are many treatment options available to patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Most treatments take a two-step approach: the first step is to directly treat the cancer, the second step is to treat the external complications caused by the cancer. Until symptoms appear, most patients only require monitoring. Once symptoms occur, treatment will be required.
Here are the most common forms of therapies to treat multiple myeloma:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common first choice for treating multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy is meant to eradicate the cancer cells.
To reduce swelling and inflammation during chemotherapy, most patients will also be prescribed systemic corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain. However, long-term use of corticosteroids may cause bone depletion and a weakened immune system.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or immune-modulating medications, targets the growth of cancerous cells. They do so by cutting off the supply of nourishment to the cancer cells, disallowing the cells to thrive and grow.
Other immunotherapy medications help to produce new and healthy blood cells. The production of new blood cells helps to improve the immune system and reduces the patient’s vulnerability to infection. In most cases, antibiotics will also be prescribed, which may include a daily dose of . Annual vaccinations are recommended.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is more localized than chemotherapy and so may cause fewer side effects. Radiation therapy is mostly used to treat severe bone pain and to rid the body of the source of the bone tissue destruction.
Radiation therapy may result in faster results because it targets specific areas.
Stem Cell Transplants
Most patients with multiple myeloma receive stem cell or bone marrow transplants. This is in addition to chemotherapy. In most cases of bone marrow transplants, the bone marrow is extracted from the patient’s own body, which is called an autologous transplant.
During a stem cell transplant, the bone marrow is removed, chemotherapy is administered in order to kill the cancer cells, and then the bone marrow gets reinserted.
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