Myeloma
Myeloma, which is also called ‘Multiple Myeloma’ is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow (the spongy centre of our bones). Our bone marrow is the production centre for all types of blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Myeloma originates from a specific white blood cell found in the bone marrow called a plasma cell. These cells play an important role in our immune system by producing different antibodies (known as immunoglobulins) that fight infection. Damage occurs to the DNA of developing plasma cells causing them to transform into cancerous myeloma cells. These cells then multiply and spread, crowding out our bone marrow so it is unable to produce normal healthy blood cells.
Causes
Despite a great deal of research, no definite causes have been confirmed.
Risk factors include age (more common in ages 60+) and a lifetime of accumulated exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, viruses and a weakened immune system.
It is not thought to be hereditary, however you are more likely to develop myeloma if you have a family member who has been diagnosed, although this is rare.
There are no screening tests and no way of predicting who will develop a paraprotein.
Is Myeloma curable?
Myeloma is often considered as a chronic or ongoing condition that people live with over the longer term. After initial treatment, it will return, when it does it will need different types of treatment to help get it under control until it returns again. This is sometimes called a relapsing-remitting cancer and makes it different from many other cancers.
While myeloma currently cannot be cured, there are many treatments that are able to slow its progress, put it into remission or plateau phase, control symptoms, and give you the best quality of life for as long as possible.
With many new developments in its treatment and management, the outlook for myeloma is improving all the time. Research is continuing to develop new treatments and find ways to use existing treatments more effectively. These advances are having a very positive impact on survival rates, and people with myeloma are now living longer than ever before.
Treatment
Is usually a combination of 2 or 3 medicines, called a regime. This helps to ensure the myeloma cells are targeted at different points of their life cycle to achieve the best response. The goal is to achieve maximum response without unacceptable side effects.
There are many factors that you and your haematologist will consider when making treatment decisions. These may include;
Availability of the treatment through the PBS, clinical trial, or special access program.
Current level of myeloma
General health and age
Pre-existing health conditions
Response to any previous treatments and side effects
Personal preference due to circumstances and lifestyle.
Types of treatment include chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, steroids, immunomodulators to name a few.
For further information Myeloma Australia is a great source and has up to date information. It is the only Australian myeloma specific not for-profit organization.
They raise awareness and understanding of myeloma, advocate for improved client access to the latest treatments at affordable prices and facilitate research.
Here at Bloomhill we have a 3 monthly support group facilitated by Specialist Myeloma nurse Jonah.
For dates and information please email [email protected] or speak to one of the nurses at Bloomhill.
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
