Treating Multiple Myeloma
Plasma cells are located in the bone marrow. They have a large role in immune function. Plasma cells produce antibodies that attack germs.
Plasma cells are located in the bone marrow. They have a large role in immune function. Plasma cells produce antibodies that attack germs.
When the body’s plasma cells grow out of control, they become cancerous.This type of cancer is called multiple myeloma. As a result of this uncontrolled growth, the plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies.When the body’s plasma cells grow out of control, they become cancerous. This type of cancer is called multiple myeloma. As a result of this uncontrolled growth, the plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies.
Multiple myeloma affects several aspects of cellular functions. As plasma cells continue their abnormal growth rate, there is overcrowding. Normal blood cells are choked out. This causes low blood counts. Low blood counts, in turn, can cause anemia that leads to fatigue and weakness. Platelet levels are lowered, a condition called thrombocytopenia, that causes easy bruising and increased bleeding. White blood cell counts may drop, which causes an increased risk of infection.
Osteoblasts are bone cells that build new bones and osteoclasts are bone cells that break down the old bones. Multiple myeloma causes a production of chemicals that trigger osteoclasts to work more rapidly. Old bones are broken down too rapidly and new bone has not been made to replace it. Bones become brittle. Breaks and fractures are common with multiple myeloma. Additionally, calcium levels increase due to the excessive disintegration of bone.
One of the types of abnormal antibodies produced by multiple myeloma targets the kidneys. More specifically, the extra antibodies flood the kidneys and cause a blockage that prevents them from filtering properly. The kidneys struggle and failure can occur.
Due to the overcrowding of plasma cells, healthy white blood cells are not present at the necessary levels. This becomes a problem when germs invade the body. There are not enough white blood cells to fight the invasion. Additionally, the immune system is weakened because of the white blood cell shortage.
It may seem like multiple myeloma is a blood issue on its own and that is true to some degree, but it causes other issues as well. Anemia is common because there are not enough red blood cells produced. The anemia leads to fatigue and a pale appearance. It can also lead to some potentially dangerous heart problems.
Immediate treatment is often not necessary when the disease is in its early stages and progressing slowly, or not at all. For more progressed stages, treatments are available in different forms. Treatment options will vary based on progression and symptoms.Chemotherapy relies on medications that kill cancer cells. If a bone marrow transplant is going to be performed, chemo is often given before the transplant. Chemo is also recommended before stem cell therapy. The biggest downside of chemotherapy is that although it kills cancer cells, it also kills any healthy cells that grow rapidly.Radiation therapy is another treatment method for multiple myeloma. Radiation beams are used to quickly destroy myeloma cells of a specific area of the body. It is most commonly used to destroy cells that are actively attacking bones, specifically vital structural bones in the spine and limbs.Immunotherapy is a treatment for many cancers that are growing in popularity. This treatment involves using monoclonal antibodies or antibody-drug combinations. In this treatment option, the goal is to provide aid to your immune system. Immunotherapy relies on boosting the immune system’s ability to find and kill cancer cells.Protease inhibitors are medications designed to inhibit certain byproducts of myeloma cells. Proteases are a type of protein produced and used by cancer cells. Old proteins are used up by cancer cells and the cancer cells are simultaneously producing new proteins. Protease inhibitors prevent this cycle from occurring by inhibiting protein production. Without these proteins, cancer cells begin to die.Steroids are used at all stages of multiple myeloma. In higher doses, they kill myeloma cells. Additionally, steroid medications can reduce inflammation due to the accumulation of white blood cells. In many instances, steroids are used in conjunction with other treatments as a means of reducing side effects.Bone modifiers are medications used in conjunction with other treatments. Their purpose is to help strengthen bones. Stronger bones mean less risk of breaks and fractures due to damage from multiple myeloma. This treatment is often maintained for about two years, even if other treatments have stopped.Multiple myeloma affects each sufferer differently. Some people may progress slowly and experience minimal symptoms while others may experience rapid progression and severe symptoms. Additionally, not all treatments are effective for each case. Doctors will closely monitor the disease and treatment methods used.
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