What is the most common cause of death in multiple myeloma?

Infection is a major complication and a leading cause of death in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) [1]. The risk of infection is due to a multifactorial immunodeficiency caused by the disease itself and the treatment regimens given during the different phases of therapy [2].


What are the two major cause of death in multiple myeloma?

To conclude, the majority of transplant-eligible MM patients died MM-dependent, with one-fifth of these cases caused by therapeutic side effects. Infections, SPM and GvHD were the most common therapy-related COD. Among MM progression-related COD infections, renal failure and cardiopulmonary failure were leading.

What are the symptoms of end stage multiple myeloma?

But when you have late-stage multiple myeloma, your symptoms may show up as:
  • Being sick to your stomach.
  • Bone pain in your back or ribs.
  • Bruising or bleeding easily.
  • Feeling very tired.
  • Fevers.
  • Frequent infections that are hard to treat.
  • Losing a lot of weight.
  • Not feeling like eating.


What is the most common complication of multiple myeloma?

Complications
  • Frequent infections. Myeloma cells inhibit your body's ability to fight infections.
  • Bone problems. Multiple myeloma can also affect your bones, leading to bone pain, thinning bones and broken bones.
  • Reduced kidney function. ...
  • Low red blood cell count (anemia).


How do you help someone with myeloma?

Here are a few tips to help a loved one manage and cope with multiple myeloma.
  1. Learn about their treatment. ...
  2. Support their treatment decisions. ...
  3. Help organize a care plan. ...
  4. Provide practical assistance. ...
  5. Offer a listening ear. ...
  6. Do research on their behalf. ...
  7. Provide continuing support.


Multiple Myeloma - signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, treatment



Does sugar feed multiple myeloma?

The reason PET scans are successful in diagnosing multiple myeloma is because myeloma cells love to "eat" sugar, a practice which becomes visible using PET scan technology.

When does myeloma become terminal?

In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage. This means it's the most advanced stage of this type of rare cancer. Doctors use the international staging system to determine the stage of the cancer. This system is based on the levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin.

What organ is most affected by multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body's blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow.


How fast does myeloma progress?

The risk of myeloma progressing is highest in the first 5 years after diagnosis. About 50 out of 100 people (50%) with smouldering myeloma develop symptoms and need treatment within the first 5 years. However, after 5 years the risk decreases and some people never develop symptoms or need treatment.

What viruses trigger multiple myeloma?

Human herpesvirus-8 has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of KS, BCBL, and multicentric Castleman's disease. Evidence for its role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma is accumulating. Human herpesvirus-8 is detectable in the nonmalignant bone marrow dendritic cells from most myeloma patients.

Where does multiple myeloma spread to?

In myeloma, the cells grow too much, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells. Multiple myeloma, the most common type of plasma cell tumor, develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body.


Does multiple myeloma affect the legs?

Multiple myeloma can weaken the bones and make them more likely to break (fracture). The spine and long bones (arms and legs) are most often affected.

What is the life expectancy of someone with stage 3 multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer of the blood. The median length of survival after diagnosis with multiple myeloma is 62 months for Stage I, 44 months for Stage II, and 29 months for Stage III. Life expectancy depends on many factors, including the person's age, health, kidney function, and more.

What happens at end of life myeloma?

Most people with myeloma use palliative treatments at the end of life. These treatments can help lead to a peaceful, pain-free death. Usually, myeloma doesn't directly lead to death. The cause of death is typically a complication such as kidney failure or a severe infection like pneumonia.


What is the lifespan of a person with multiple myeloma?

The overall 5-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma in the United States is 55%. For the 4% of people who are diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is over 77%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is over 54%.

What is end organ damage in multiple myeloma?

End organ damage is defined as presence of any one or more of the following features: hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, and lytic bone lesions (which can be diagnosed on bone radiographs).

Is myeloma classed as a terminal illness?

Yes. Treatment for myeloma can be very effective at controlling the disease, relieving its symptoms and complications, and prolonging life. Unfortunately, though, myeloma is currently an incurable (terminal) cancer.


Does myeloma affect the brain?

It can slow blood flow to the brain and cause: Confusion. Dizziness. Symptoms of a stroke, like weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech.

What is the stage before multiple myeloma?

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or asymptomatic myeloma

Osteopenia is a condition in which a person has a low density of bone minerals. Most people with SMM eventually develop myeloma.

What is the root cause of multiple myeloma?

It's not known exactly what causes multiple myeloma. However, there is a close link between multiple myeloma and a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). MGUS is where there is an excess of protein molecules, called immunoglobulins, in your blood.


What drugs can cause multiple myeloma?

An increased risk of multiple myeloma was found among women who used prednisone (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.8-14.4), insulin (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-9.0), or gout medication (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.2-38.0).

How does multiple myeloma affect the stomach?

Novel therapies used to treat multiple myeloma may be associated with gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation).

When is multiple myeloma no longer treatable?

Treatment for multiple myeloma can often help control symptoms and improve quality of life. But myeloma usually can't be cured, which means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back.


How long is chemo for myeloma?

Myeloma is not usually curable but treatment can control it. You usually have treatment for four to six months. Then if you are fit enough, your specialist might suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant.

How long does myeloma patients stay in remission?

They indicate that a person may have a period of response to treatment that lasts 2 to 3 years or longer. Other research suggests the initial remission period may last 4 years or more.