4 Steps Involved In Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. This can lead to several complications, including weakened bones, anemia, kidney damage, and suppressed immune function.

The following are the 4 major steps involved in the treatment and management of multiple myeloma:

Step 1: Get Diagnosis and Staging 

Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed with the clinical decides to run blood tests for some other suspected condition. However, there are few additional tests required to establish a diagnosis for multiplie myeloma. These tests include calcium levels, kidney function tests, uric acid levels, urine test for M proteins and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Radiology tests such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI and PET scan may also be conducted to identify problems associated with multiple myeloma.

The results of all these tests help establish the staging. While myeloma Stage 1 is least aggressive and slow-growing, Stage 3 means that it is aggressively growing in the body. This helps the clinician decide the cource of treatment. 

Step 2: Decide Treatment Need

A majority of cases diagnosed with multiple myeloma do not need any treatment right away, especially those at Stage 1 of the disease. Such cases are often not symptomatic and only need regular monitoring through blood and urine tests to see if it is getting worse. Symptomatic eary-stage cases are managed medically, while more complex cases are treated with advanced treatment options.

Step 3: Receive Treatment 

Based on the staging and the severity of symptoms, the doctor will decide the course of treatment. Therefore are different types of treatments available for patients suffering from multiple myeloma and the success rate is generally very good. The treatments offered may include corticosteroids, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, Car-T cell therapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplant. The ultimate objective of treatment is to prevent or manage complications of multiple myeloma while aiming to head toward a curative treatment. 

Step 4: Attend Follow-ups and Monitoring

It is important once the treatment is concluded that you attend all follow-up visits regularly and as scheduled and follow-up the best practices when it comes to the monitoring of the condition. Your treating doctor will advise you which tests to get done at what frequency and which medicines to take for what duration. Make sure that you listen to your doctor and report any unusual discomfort or symptoms being experience during or after the treatment.

HOSPIDIO is associated with some of the best hematologists and medical oncologists that you can consult if you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Get in touch with us today to understand the process and treatment plan specific to your stage of the disease.