Myeloma

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow.¹ It is referred to as multiple myeloma if it appears in multiple parts of the body.²

Plasma cells are white blood cells that form part of your immune system and help fight infection.³ When diseased, these plasma cells can turn into cancerous myeloma cells.¹ If the myeloma cells multiply, they can crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making enough red and white blood cells and platelets.^1,2 As a result, people with myeloma may be at risk of anaemia, infection, bleeding, and bruising.^1,2

Myeloma cells may gather in groups that form tumours in the body, usually in the bone marrow and on the surface of bones.^1,2 The tumours can cause bones to become brittle and easy to break, and can lead to increased calcium in the bloodstream.^2,4

If your doctor suspects myeloma, they may order specific tests such as:^1,6

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Scans such as computed tomography scan (CT scan), positron emission tomography (PET scan) or others

If you are found to have myeloma, your doctor will discuss the next steps. To determine what stage your cancer is at, your treating doctor may use the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) which divides myeloma into three stages.⁷

Treatment for myeloma depends on a range of factors, and your treating doctor can explain more around these. There are also various treatment approaches for myeloma itself, as well as any associated diseases or complications which may arise.⁸ Some of the broad categories which myeloma medications belong to are:^8,9

• Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs)
• Proteasome Inhibitors (PIs)
• Monoclonal antibodies
• Immunoconjugates
• Antibody-drug conjugates
• chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell
• Alkylating agents
• Steroids

There are also other treatment approaches  including:^8-10

• Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation (RT) therapy 

Side effects of cancer treatment

Cancer treatment often results in side effects, yet the type and severity of side effects may vary between individuals.^11,12 You can ask your doctor for detailed information about side effects based on the treatment they recommend for you.

Recommendations to help you stay well during treatment

The following list may help when researching the types of activities and nutrition you can consider during treatment.¹³ Your treating doctor can also provide further information, or point you towards the right resources:

• Get as much rest as possible
• Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat
• Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous
• Drink lots of water
• Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment
• Record your side effects in a diary or journal
• Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine
• It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to
• Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
• Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them

Our care team aim to know your name and to get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to guide you and to help get the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.

If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. You are able to view a list of our centres here.

Other myeloma information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey.

These include: