ovarian cancer Stages and Treatment

 

WHAT Is MYELOMA?

Multiple myeloma, commonly known as myeloma, is a blood cancer associated with the abnormal behavior and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells made in the bone marrow (spongy tissue inside your bones) that produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) to fight infection; they are therefore it is an important component of the immune system. In myeloma patients, abnormal plasma cells (also known as myeloma cells) can interfere with the production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells can also overproduce abnormal antibodies which in turn can negatively impact different parts of the body such as bones and kidneys.

Every day, 10 Canadians are diagnosed with myeloma and despite its increasing prevalence, this cancer remains little known. Although the disease is incurable, patients are living better and longer thanks to the development of new treatments. However, to cure myeloma, more investment and research is needed.

Cell dysregulation

Cancer starts when cells in one part of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. In the case of myeloma, there is something wrong with the plasma cells. Genetic material (DNA) is damaged during cell development. Plasma cells are abnormal. They multiply uncontrollably.

This has the following two consequences: 

There is overproduction of plasma cells. When there are too many plasma cells, they can somehow invade the other types of cells your body needs to be healthy (including red blood cells and platelets).

Abnormal plasma cells produce only one type of antibody, the paraprotein, which has no useful function. Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed, then its progression monitored, by measuring this paraprotein. 

Where does the term multiple myeloma come from?

Unlike most cancers, myeloma does not present as a lump or tumor.

Instead, myeloma cells multiply in the bone marrow, preventing it from doing its job properly and interfering with the production of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

As a result, myeloma will affect various parts of the body where bone marrow is normally active in adults (bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, arms, legs, and areas around the shoulders and hips). This is why the term “multiple myeloma” is used.

Most of the symptoms and complications associated with myeloma are caused by the accumulation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and the presence of paraproteins in the blood or urine.

The Cyclic Nature of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cyclic type cancer, i.e. there is an alternation of:

• periods when myeloma causes symptoms and complications that require treatment; and
• periods during which the myeloma is controlled by treatment (remission).

A relapse is the term for when the myeloma comes back or becomes active again after a period of treatment.