Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

The goal of multiple myeloma treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Symptoms include:
Bleeding problems
Bone or back pain
Increased susceptibility to infection
Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
Unexplained fractures
People who have mild disease or a questionable diagnosis are usually carefully monitored without treatment. Some people have a slow-developing form of multiple myeloma that takes years to cause symptoms.
Treatment begins when the disease becomes worse or causes symptoms.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be performed to relieve bone pain or treat a bone tumor.
Bone marrow transplantation in younger patients has been shown to increase disease-free and overall survival, but it has significant risks.
Medications for multiple myeloma include decadron, melophalan, thalidomide, lenalidomide (Revlimid), and bortezomib (Velcade). Bisphosphonates are used to prevent fractures.
People with multiple myeloma should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help maintain proper kidney function. They should also be cautious when having x-ray tests that use contrast dye.
Chemotherapy and transplants rarely lead to a permanent cure.

Revlimid and Thalomid are 2 drugs that emerged from Celgene through MMRF funded research and has increased life expectancy of those living with multiple myeloma.

For the full article, please visit: https://health.google.com/health/ref/Multiple+myeloma