Multiple Myeloma
Department of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making proteins called antibodies. Antibodies find and attack germs.
In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft matter inside bones where blood cells are made. In the bone marrow, the cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than make helpful antibodies, the cancer cells make proteins that don’t work right. This leads to complications of multiple myeloma.
Types
1.IgG Multiple Myeloma: Most common type, produces IgG antibodies.
2.IgA Multiple Myeloma: Produces IgA antibodies.
3.Light Chain Multiple Myeloma: Produces only light chains.
Diagnosis
1.Blood and Urine Tests: Detect abnormal proteins and assess kidney function.
2.Bone Marrow Biopsy: Removal and analysis of bone marrow tissue.
3.Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate bone damage.
Treatment
1.Chemotherapy: Drugs to destroy or control cancerous plasma cells.
2.Stem Cell Transplant: Replacement of damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
3.Immunomodulatory Drugs: Enhance the immune system’s response.
4.Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Multiple Myeloma Overview
- Treatment Time: (Stem Cell Transplant) 1 to 3 hours
- Stay in the Country: 3 to 6 months
- Rehabilitation Duration: 6 to 12 months
- Price: €50,000 to €150,000
- Initial Consultation: Diagnosis and treatment planning with a hematologist or oncologist.
- Pre-Treatment: High-dose chemotherapy to prepare the body for the transplant.
- Treatment: Stem cell transplant to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.
- Post-Treatment: Hospitalization for recovery and monitoring, followed by rehabilitation.
- Final Recovery: Ongoing follow-up care and monitoring for up to a year.
