Loading…
Loading…
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that causes bone disease, anaemia, kidney problems and immune suppression.
Quick Answer
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that causes bone disease, anaemia, kidney problems and immune suppression. Dr. Sachita Baniya (NMC 20158, 8+ years of clinical experience in haematology and haemato-oncology) evaluates multiple myeloma at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Myeloma arises from clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is treatable and often managed as a chronic condition. Diagnosis requires clonal plasma cells plus myeloma-defining events, and treatment combines targeted therapy, chemotherapy, steroids and transplant in eligible patients.
Diagnosis uses serum and urine protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, serum free light chains, bone marrow plasma cell assessment, FISH and imaging. CRAB features and specific biomarkers define active disease.
Treatment combines proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, steroids and anti-CD38 antibodies. Eligible patients may undergo autologous transplant, followed by maintenance. Supportive care includes bone protection, infection prevention and thrombosis prophylaxis.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
There is no proven prevention. Monitoring MGUS and smouldering myeloma allows timely treatment when progression occurs.
Red flags — seek urgent care
Myeloma is generally not considered curable with standard therapy, but it is highly treatable and many patients live for years with good disease control. Treatment is individualised.
It uses the patient's own stem cells after high-dose melphalan to deepen response. Eligibility depends on age, fitness, response and patient preference.
MGUS is a precursor condition with a small monoclonal protein and no organ damage. It is monitored rather than treated and has a low annual risk of progression.
MRD measures residual myeloma cells in the marrow after treatment. It provides prognostic information and is increasingly used in clinical trials and selected practice.
Myeloma weakens bone and increases fracture risk. Bisphosphonates or denosumab, calcium and vitamin D, and dental review are part of supportive care.
Pneumonia, urinary infections, shingles and sepsis are common. Vaccination, prophylaxis and prompt fever review are important.
Yes. Light chains can damage the kidneys, and some treatments require dose adjustment. Hydration, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs and urgent review of renal function are important.
Regular blood and urine protein studies, blood counts, kidney function, bone health review and imaging when indicated. Survivorship care addresses fatigue and late effects.
Diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma, MGUS, smouldering myeloma and AL amyloidosis.
High-dose therapy with the patient's own stem cells for myeloma and selected lymphomas.
Diagnostic bone marrow sampling for cytopenias, suspected blood cancer and treatment monitoring.
MGUS is a common precursor plasma cell condition with a small monoclonal protein and no organ damage.
Smouldering myeloma meets laboratory criteria for myeloma but has no organ damage or myeloma-defining events.
AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell disorder in which abnormal light chains deposit in organs and impair their function.
Haematology
Blood Cancer Symptoms: When to See a Haematologist
Unexplained bruising, persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or repeated infections can be early signs of a blood disorder. Here is when to seek a haematology opinion.
Haematology
Multiple Myeloma: A Practical Guide for Patients and Families
Myeloma is a treatable plasma cell cancer. Understand the tests, treatment options, transplant and supportive care.
Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Sachita Baniya
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist • MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology) • NMC 20158
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya.
On this site
Article information
Emergency
For sudden neurologic change, thunderclap headache, or seizure >5 min, seek emergency services now.