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Multiple Myeloma Care in Pune
Sancheti Hospital’s Ortho Onco Department offers advanced therapies for multiple myeloma to improve bone health and recovery.
Overview
Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow – the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. This cancer specifically targets plasma cells, which are important white blood cells that help your immune system fight infections.
In healthy people, plasma cells make antibodies that protect against diseases. However, in Multiple Myeloma, these plasma cells become cancerous and multiply out of control. Instead of producing helpful antibodies, they create abnormal proteins called M proteins or paraproteins.
As these cancer cells grow, they crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This leads to fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, causing various health problems throughout the body.
While Multiple Myeloma cannot be cured completely, modern treatments have greatly improved how long patients live and their quality of life. Many people can achieve remission and live well for many years.
Symptoms
Multiple Myeloma often has no symptoms in its early stages, making it hard to detect early. As the disease progresses, several signs may appear:
Common symptoms include:
- Bone pain – Often the first sign, especially in the back, ribs, hips, or skull
- Fatigue and weakness from anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Kidney problems that may lead to kidney failure
- High calcium levels in blood (hypercalcemia) causing increased thirst and frequent urination
- Frequent infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
Bone-related symptoms are particularly common because the cancer cells damage bone tissue, making bones weak and prone to breaking even during normal activities.
Causes
The exact cause of Multiple Myeloma is not fully understood. Researchers believe it develops from a combination of genetic changes and environmental factors.
Potential contributing factors include:
- Genetic changes in plasma cells that make them become cancerous
- Long-term exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, or benzene
- High-dose radiation exposure
- Pre-existing conditions like MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance)
- Chronic inflammation or certain long-term infections
- Obesity, which may increase risk
It’s important to note that having these risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop Multiple Myeloma.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing Multiple Myeloma:
Age and Demographics:
- Age – Most common in people over 65, with average age around 70
- Gender – Men are slightly more likely to develop it than women
Medical History:
- Family history of Multiple Myeloma or related plasma cell disorders
- MGUS – A benign condition that can progress to Multiple Myeloma
- Smoldering Multiple Myeloma – An intermediate condition between MGUS and active Multiple Myeloma
Environmental Factors:
- Chemical exposure (benzene, pesticides)
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma requires several tests and examinations by specialists like oncologists and hematologists.
The diagnostic process includes:
Initial Assessment:
- Medical history review and physical examination
- Discussion of symptoms and risk factors
Blood Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for anemia and low blood cell counts
- Protein tests to detect abnormal M proteins
- Kidney function tests
- Calcium levels and other blood chemistry tests
Urine Tests:
- 24-hour urine collection to detect abnormal proteins (Bence Jones proteins)
Bone Marrow Testing:
- Bone marrow biopsy – The most important test where a small sample is taken from the hip bone
- Laboratory examination to count abnormal plasma cells (10% or more confirms diagnosis)
Imaging Tests:
- X-rays to detect bone damage
- CT scan for detailed cross-sectional images
- MRI for detailed bone marrow and soft tissue images
PET scan to identify active cancer areas
Types
Multiple Myeloma can be classified into several types based on the proteins produced:
Main Types:
- IgG Multiple Myeloma – Most common type (55-60% of cases)
- IgA Multiple Myeloma – Accounts for 20-25% of cases
- Light Chain Multiple Myeloma – About 15% of cases, can cause kidney damage
- Nonsecretory Multiple Myeloma – Rare type (less than 1%)
Related Conditions:
- Solitary Plasmacytoma – Cancer in a single bone or soft tissue site
- Smoldering Multiple Myeloma – Precursor condition with no symptoms
- MGUS – Benign condition that may progress to Multiple Myeloma
Stages
Multiple Myeloma is staged using the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), which helps doctors plan treatment and predict outcomes.
Stage 1: Lower tumor burden with better prognosis
- Lower levels of certain blood proteins
- Normal genetic features
- Better response to treatment expected
Stage 2: Intermediate between Stage 1 and Stage 3
Stage 3: Higher tumor burden with poorer prognosis
- Higher levels of blood proteins indicating more disease
- High-risk genetic changes
- May require more aggressive treatment
Treatment
Treatment for Multiple Myeloma is personalized based on the patient’s age, overall health, disease stage, and genetic features of the cancer.
For patients with no symptoms, doctors may recommend “watchful waiting” with regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
Active treatment options include:
Induction Therapy:
- First phase of treatment to reduce cancer cells
- Usually combines multiple medications
- May include proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and steroids
Stem Cell Transplant:
- Autologous stem cell transplantation uses the patient’s own healthy stem cells
- High-dose chemotherapy destroys cancer cells
- Stem cells are returned to restore healthy blood cell production
- Can improve survival and achieve deeper remission
Additional Treatment Options:
- Targeted therapy – Drugs that specifically attack cancer cells
- Immunotherapy – Helps the immune system fight cancer
- CAR T-cell therapy – Genetically modified immune cells to fight cancer
- Chemotherapy – Powerful drugs to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy – High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and relieve bone pain
Ongoing Treatment:
- Maintenance therapy – Long-term treatment to keep cancer in remission
- Consolidation therapy – Further reduces remaining cancer cells after initial treatment
Rehabilitation
Recovery and long-term care focus on maintaining physical function and quality of life after treatment.
Key rehabilitation aspects include:
Physical Recovery:
- Regular, gentle exercise to maintain strength and mobility
- Weight-bearing exercises for bone health
- Physical therapy if needed
Managing Treatment Side Effects:
- Addressing nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Managing fatigue and weakness
- Dealing with hormonal changes
Supportive Care:
- Bone pain management with medications
- Infection prevention and treatment
- Anemia treatment to increase red blood cells
Kidney function support when needed
Complications
Multiple Myeloma can cause serious complications throughout the body:
Blood and Bone Marrow Problems:
- Anemia causing fatigue and shortness of breath
- Low white blood cell counts increasing infection risk
- Low platelet counts causing easy bruising and bleeding
Bone Problems:
- Weakened bones leading to fractures
- Severe bone pain
- Spinal cord compression from collapsed vertebrae
Kidney Problems:
- Kidney damage from abnormal proteins
- Kidney failure requiring dialysis
- Hypercalcemia from bone breakdown
Other Complications:
- Increased risk of infections, especially pneumonia
- Blood clots (thrombosis)
- Nerve damage causing numbness or weakness
- Thickened blood (hyperviscosity syndrome)
Prevention
Currently, there is no known way to completely prevent Multiple Myeloma. However, certain lifestyle choices may help reduce risk:
General Recommendations:
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly to support overall health
- Limit exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation when possible
- Don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption
- Get regular medical check-ups to monitor for precursor conditions like MGUS
Important Note: Most people who develop Multiple Myeloma have no known risk factors, and having risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely get the disease.
Living With Multiple Myeloma
Living with Multiple Myeloma requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments to maintain the best possible quality of life.
Regular Medical Care:
- Frequent follow-up visits with your healthcare team
- Regular blood tests and imaging to monitor disease status
- Continued maintenance therapy as prescribed
- Prompt treatment of any complications or side effects
Lifestyle Management:
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay physically active as tolerated
- Get adequate rest and manage stress
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid exposure to infections when possible
Bone Health:
- Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as recommended
- Use prescribed bone-strengthening medications
- Avoid activities that might cause falls or injuries
- Report any new bone pain to your healthcare team immediately
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormal protein production and various health complications
- Common symptoms include bone pain, fatigue, kidney problems, and frequent infections
- Diagnosis requires blood tests, urine tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies
- Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, and radiation therapy
- While currently incurable, modern treatments allow many patients to achieve long-term remission and maintain good quality of life
- Regular monitoring and supportive care are essential for managing the disease and its complications
- Patients should work closely with their healthcare team and seek emotional support throughout their journey
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand the challenges that come with a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our patients. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced oncologists, hematologists, and support staff work together to create personalized treatment plans that address not just the cancer, but the whole person.
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, advanced treatment options including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant capabilities, along with comprehensive supportive care services. Our dedicated team provides continuous monitoring, manages treatment side effects, and offers emotional support throughout the patient’s journey.
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and involving them in every treatment decision, ensuring they receive the most appropriate care for their specific condition. At Sancheti Hospital, we are committed to helping patients with Multiple Myeloma achieve the best possible outcomes and maintain their quality of life throughout their treatment and beyond.
Meet Our Ortho Onco Specialist
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can someone live with Multiple Myeloma?
Survival varies greatly depending on age, overall health, and disease stage. Many patients now live 10-15 years or more with proper treatment. Some achieve long-term remission lasting several years between treatments.
Is Multiple Myeloma hereditary - will my children get it?
Multiple Myeloma is rarely inherited. Having a family member with the disease only slightly increases risk. Most cases occur randomly without any family history, so your children are unlikely to develop it.
What does remission mean in Multiple Myeloma?
Remission means the cancer is controlled and symptoms improve, but the disease isn’t completely gone. Complete remission means no detectable cancer cells, while partial remission means significant reduction in cancer markers.
Will I need to stay in the hospital during treatment?
Most Multiple Myeloma treatments are outpatient procedures. Stem cell transplant requires hospitalization for 2-3 weeks, but regular chemotherapy and targeted therapy are typically given in day-care settings.
Can I continue working during Multiple Myeloma treatment?
Many patients continue working, especially during maintenance therapy. Work capacity depends on treatment intensity, side effects, and job demands. Discuss flexible schedules or accommodations with your employer and healthcare team.
