Hematological Malignancy Program: Multiple Myeloma

Featuring Dr. Sohl

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells in your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found in the center of the bones where most of your blood cells are produced. Plasma cells normally make antibodies to help fight infections. When plasma cells grow out of control and become cancerous, they make abnormal antibodies called M proteins, resulting in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma can affect your blood, bones and kidneys. It can be slow-moving or more aggressive. It is important to be evaluated by a doctor and to complete all of the appropriate testing in order to determine the best treatment plan.

Quick Facts About Multiple Myeloma

  • 2nd most common blood cancer in the world.

  • 160,000 new cases diagnosed each year worldwide.

  • Most commonly occurs in patients aged >50 years.

  • Average age at diagnosis is 69.

  • Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to get myeloma.

  • Prevalence is twice as high in the Black population compared to the white population.

  • 5-year survival rates have increased each year since 1975.

Treatment Goal

Multiple myeloma is a chronic disease, and although currently there is no cure, the primary treatment goal is to reduce symptom severity and decrease the number of myeloma cells in your bone marrow. Reaching this goal may:

  • Prolong your overall survival.

  • Provide symptom relief (bone pain, fatigue, etc.).

  • Preserve your quality of life.

  • Slow the growth of myeloma cells.

  • Quicken your response to treatment.

  • Lengthen periods of remission.

Helpful Resources Should all be under homepage

1. Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: themmrf.org/educational-resources

2. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Ils.org/myeloma/myeloma-overview

3. International Myeloma Foundation: myeloma.org/what-is-multiple-myeloma

4. American Cancer Society: cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma