Multiple Myeloma

Overview

Mayo Clinic has one of the premier myeloma treatment groups in the world, with more than 60 years of experience treating multiple myeloma. Each year more than 1,000 patients with this disorder are treated at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic's treatment approach includes medications, experimental therapies and diet and lifestyle management. Mayo is a leader in research of new treatments on multiple myeloma, prognostic factors and a basic understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma.

Mayo Clinic's integrated group practice gives patients rapid access to multiple specialists, as needed. Hematologists provide primary care for multiple myeloma patients and work closely with Mayo's bone marrow transplant teams, which have performed more than 2,000 transplants. Depending on the patient's needs and condition, consultations may also be arranged with other specialists such as an orthopedic surgeon or radiation oncologist.

Diagnosis

Special blood tests and X-rays may be done when myeloma is suspected, based on symptoms of multiple myeloma. Blood and urine may be tested for monoclonal protein. Bone marrow may be tested to determine if myeloma cells are present.

Treatment Options

If a patient has a stable form of multiple myeloma, called "smoldering myeloma," the hematologist may recommend no treatment. However, if the multiple myeloma is not stable, the patient will require immediate treatment. Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant are the primary treatment options. Read more about treatment for multiple myeloma.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are found in bone marrow, the blood producing tissue that fills in spaces within bone. Plasma cells produce antibodies, substances that help the body fight infection. Usually plasma cells make up 1 to 2 percent of all cells in the bone marrow. In a person with multiple myeloma, however, abnormal plasma cells (or myeloma cells) multiply. The growth of myeloma cells results in reduced production of blood, which results in anemia. Fatigue is the most obvious symptom of multiple myeloma. In addition, bone damage can cause painful rib fractures and spinal compression fractures. In a small number of patients the protein that is produced by the plasma cells can damage the kidney. Multiple myeloma affects 3 in 100,000 people each year. The average age of a person with the disease is about 70. Multiple myeloma is not contagious, and it is not inherited.

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