Multiple myeloma

Disease information

Overview
Causes
and Symptoms
Treatment

What is Multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that originates from plasma cells After the normal differentiation process of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, plasma cells are formed. Plasma cells produce various immune proteins that defend the body against infections from bacteria and viruses, thereby playing a role in protecting systemic infections. However, when plasma cells undergo abnormal proliferation after differentiation, disorders involving plasma cells, including multiple myeloma, can occur. The cancerous immune proteins produced by multiple myeloma cells are referred to as M-proteins, allowing for the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. Multiple myeloma leads to severe impairments in various organs, including bone resorption disorders, hypercalcemia, and impaired kidney function.

Causes and symptoms

The cause and mechanism of incidence are not clearly known. Some relationships with radiation, pesticides, metal-related works, and chemicals such as benzene have been reported, but direct connection is not scientifically proven.

In the early stages, there may be minimal symptoms, but as the disease progresses, various symptoms may manifest depending on the affected areas of bone marrow infiltration

Bone-related symptoms (ex. Fractures)
Hypercalcemia Damage to the bones causes calcium to be released into the bloodstream
Renal dysfunction It can lead to decreased urine output, edema, loss of appetite, weakness, and respiratory distress.
Bone marrow dysfunction It can result in anemia, infections, fever, tendency to bleed, and fatigue.
Neurological paralysis Peripheral Nerve Damage

Treatment

Catholic Hematology Hospital aims for long-term disease control and, through this, seeks to achieve long-term survival and improved quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma.
We provide individualized, tailored treatment taking into account the characteristics of multiple myeloma cancer cells, the progression of the disease, and expected complications.

We develop optimal treatments based on existing immunotherapy drugs, and introduce cutting-edge new drugs, including CAR-T therapy and clinical trials, to enhance patient survival and improve their quality of life.

Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Cytotoxic chemotherapy, and Cell therapy including CAR-T
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- a.
  Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- b.
  Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- c.
  Low-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Maintenance therapy Immunochemotherapy using thalidomide, lenalidomide, or ixazomib.
Radiation therapy
Anxillary therapies Bisphosphonates, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, granulocyte growth factors, plasma exchange, spinal fusion surgery

▲ Initial Treatment Modalities for the General Patient

$Standard Treatment Approaches for Refractory or Relapsed Multiple Myeloma$

▲ Standard Treatment Approaches for Refractory
or Relapsed Multiple Myeloma