Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells in the body. Plasma cells found in the bone marrow are an important part of the immune system as they help fight infections. A cancerous growth in plasma cells is plasmacytoma. When there is more than one plasmacytoma in the body it is termed as multiple myeloma.

When multiple myeloma is detected, the next step is to discuss the various treatment options which may include one or more of the following depending on the stage to which the disease has progressed-

• Chemotherapy and medications

  Chemotherapy or Chemo is the intake of medications to control the growth of cancer cells. The medications are either taken orally or injected into the bloodstream. Chemo is beneficial in patients with multiple myeloma as the medicines reach the affected parts of the body via the bloodstream. Usage of a combination of medications like Melphalan, Vincristine, and Etoposide has been found to be more effective than a single medicine treatment. Widely used as a standard procedure, Chemo also has some side effects as the medicines which are intended for tumor cells also damage normal healthy cells. Low blood count, mouth sores, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are more or less common.

• Bisphosphonates

  Bisphosphonates are medications that help to keep the bones stronger because cancer cells damage and weaken the bones which eventually lead to their fracture. The clinically proven medicines – Pamidronate and Zoledronic Acid are both injected into the vein. Initially treatment may be given once a month and later on, if there is effective response, the frequency may be reduced further. A major side effect is pain, deadening of jawbone and sores that won’t heal. It may also result in tooth loss. Prior dental screening is recommended before starting treatment with bisphosphonates.

• Radiation

  Radiation is focusing of high-energy X-rays which penetrate tissues of the body to reach and kill the cancer cells. This therapy is used in parts of the body which have not responded to chemotherapy and in cases of solitary myeloma (one plasmacytoma).

• Surgery

  Surgery is effective only in cases where it is possible to remove solitary tumor cell. It is not used to treat multiple myeloma but can only help when rods or plates are attached or inserted for giving support to weak bones.

• Stem cell transplants

  Heavy radiation is used to kill the cells in the bone marrow which affects both healthy and diseased cells. Then new healthy cells are taken from the blood and transplanted. Other treatments are given to reduce the number of myeloma cells in the body before undertaking stem cell transplants. This therapy has side effects just like those of chemo and radiation and that too in severe form because of high energy radiation.

• Clinical trials

  Though not for everyone, they are one way of getting hold of newer research and breakthrough procedures. Clinical trials are highly scrutinized, strictly under observation research that helps in the development of promising treatments, therapies, and medicines. To check if one is eligible for the clinical trial, he/she needs to know whether the facility where they are taking cancer treatment conducts clinical trials.

• Complementary methods

  Methods which are used along with regular medical care are complementary methods. Such methods like vitamins, herbs, special diets, or even acupuncture and others help in relieving symptoms and pain. They are helpful when taken in tandem with procedural multiple myeloma treatment and should not be taken in isolation.

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