New Delhi: Plasma cells are normally a part of the immune system of the body and these are produced by the bone marrow. These plasma cells help other white blood cells to fight infections by producing antibodies.
Multiple myeloma is a disorder of the blood where the plasma cells metamorphasise with unbridled growth and start damaging the organs. The excessive production of these plasma cells chokes the marrow, thus stifling the production of other cells, manifesting as anaemia (low haemoglobin). The cancerous cells also produce proteins called M-protein light chains and secrete them into the bloodstream. The abnormal plasma cells can also damage the bones making them brittle and susceptible to fractures. The process also releases calcium into the bloodstream. The plasma cells can also cause damage by clogging the kidney with cell debris and residues. In a few cases, plasma cells can organise themselves into a solid growth called plasmacytoma.
Multiple myeloma in the initial stages can be symptomless. It can manifest as bone pains, fractures, or be picked up during the evaluation of kidney disorders or anaemia.
Multiple myeloma is one of the haematological malignancies in which major progress in research and in treatment has occurred over the last 15-20 years. Diagnostic techniques have moved from mere morphology, low-sensitivity protein quantification into genomics. Most multiple myeloma’s display cytogenetic abnormalities, which can help prognosticate the disease. 17p (p53) deletion and translocation (4;14) suggest high-risk disease.
The treatment of myeloma has evolved from using melphalan, cyclophosphamide (chemotherapeutic drugs) to immunomodulators like bortezomib, daratumumab supported by steroids and thalidomide/lenalidomide.
Multiple myeloma can be treated with numerous combinations of the above drugs in the induction phase to control the disease and followed by maintenance therapy. Targeted radiation can be deployed to target and halter the activity of a plasmacytoma. An autologous bone marrow transplant may be done to consolidate the treatment and increase the remission free period. With the newer regimens, most of the myeloma cases are being managed more like chronic disorders than deadly malignancies.
(Disclaimer: The author, Dr Danish N, Sr Manager, Medical Admin (Oncology Division), medECUBE, is a guest contributor and a part of our medical expert panel. Views expressed are personal)
Get the Latest health news, healthy diet, weight loss, Yoga, and fitness tips, more updates on Times Now