Multiple Myeloma
Clinical Trials for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. Multiple myeloma affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is, then, important for everyone to learn as much as possible about the condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors in increasing survival rates for multiple myeloma patients. Of course, once a diagnosis is made it is essential to receive the right care and treatment from a proven and experienced specialist.
Dr. Saleha Sajid helps individuals with a cancer diagnosis access clinical trials and treatments tailored to their needs. She provides individualized care that is both compassionate and professional, helping patients make informed decisions as to what the best available treatment is for them.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that forms in white blood cells called plasma cells. It causes cancerous plasma cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cell production. This can lead to anemia, bleeding issues, bone damage, kidney failure, and recurrent infections.
In the United States, multiple myeloma affects approximately 32,270 people per year.
The risk factors for developing multiple myeloma can vary slightly depending on the type, but some common risk factors include:
Age
Risk increases significantly after age 65, with most cases occurring in people 65-74 years old.
Radiation Exposure
Those exposed to high doses of radiation through prior medical imaging, radiation therapy or certain work environments have higher rates.
Gender
Men have a slightly higher risk than women. The reason is not fully understood.
Obesity
Studies indicate that carrying excess weight raises the risk by a small to moderate amount.
Race
In the U.S., African Americans are more than twice as likely to develop myeloma compared to white populations. Hispanic and Asian individuals also have elevated risk.
Genetics
Though uncommon, inheriting an abnormal chromosome deletion or having family members with myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, or MGUS monoclonal gammopathy points to higher genetic susceptibility.
What Are The Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?
To catch multiple myeloma early and get the treatment you need as rapidly as possible it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
Bone pain
The most frequently reported early symptom is pain felt in the bones, especially the back, hips, and shoulders. This results from bone destruction caused by the myeloma cells accumulating in the marrow.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually weak and tired on a regular basis occurs early on due to anemia from the suppression of healthy red blood cells.
Recurrent Infections
The crowding out of normal germ-fighting white blood cells raises the risk of repeated colds, the flu, pneumonia, and sinus infections.
Bruising or Bleeding
Platelet shortage causes easy, excessive bruising and bleeding from minor scrapes or cuts.
Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying, stemming from a loss of appetite, is common.
High Calcium Levels
Bone breakdown releases excessive calcium into the blood which can cause frequent urination, constipation, nausea, or confusion.
Kidney Problems
The overflow of abnormal proteins released by the myeloma cells can dangerously impair kidney function.
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away for further evaluation. Early detection is the key when it comes to treating multiple myeloma. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Even if you are uncertain, it is still worth discussing with your doctor, as multiple myeloma symptoms are not always easy to recognize and are easy to attribute to other diseases.
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Are There Treatments for Multiple Myeloma?
While Multiple myeloma is a serious condition, it can be treated in many ways. Some common treatments include:
Targeted Therapy Drugs
Medications such as lenalidomide, pomalidomide, panobinostat and bortezomib work by targeting and attacking specific mechanisms that allow myeloma cells to grow and survive. Using combinations of these drugs provides major anti-cancer benefits for the majority of multiple myeloma patients.
Stem Cell Transplant
High-dose chemotherapy to wipe out remaining myeloma cells followed by transplantation of a patient's own stem cells or those from a matched donor can sometimes achieve longer-term remission. This aggressive treatment is typically used in younger, eligible patients.
Chemotherapy
Conventional chemotherapy agents may be used in combination regimens along with newer targeted drugs. Melphalan, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, carboplatin and bendamustine are options.
Radiation Therapy
Used occasionally to shrink isolated myeloma-affected bones and tumors pressing on delicate spinal nerves causing severe pain.
Immunotherapy
The monoclonal antibodies elotuzumab and daratumumab stimulate a patient's immune system against myeloma cells and show promise, especially combined with other treatments.
Corticosteroids
Drugs like dexamethasone and prednisone are routinely used to reduce inflammation and suppress overactive immune response related to myeloma activity.
Over the past couple of decades, doctors have made great advances in improving survivorship by combining these and emerging treatments to put multiple myeloma into deep remission while managing side effects. The course varies for each patient, but the outlook today is better than ever. Working with an experienced oncologist is, of course, key.
Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma Trials and Treatments
Dr. Sajid helps those diagnosed with multiple myeloma access the best available treatments. She works to match patients with clinical trials and treatments tailored specifically to their needs.
From preventative screening to active cancer trials, provides a comprehensive suite of trial options for multiple myeloma patients. Through their partnership with Dr. Sajid, they are able to offer state of the art clinical trials to multiple myeloma patients.
FAQ
Multiple Myeloma FAQ
What can I do to lower my risk of multiple myeloma?What is the prognosis for someone with multiple myeloma?
The 5-year relative survival rate is now over 50% whereas decades ago it was under 30%. Many now initially respond well to treatment combinations and achieve durable remission periods.Where can I go for more information about multiple myeloma?What if I have more questions about multiple myeloma?Contact Dr. Sajid for more information about multiple myeloma and discuss your individual needs. She will provide personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments.
Dr. Saleha Sajid MD
Access Breakthrough Clinical Trials with Dr. Saleha Sajid
As a leading practitioner in the Houston, Texas, area, Dr. Sajid specializes in offering access to the latest breakthrough clinical trials for multiple myeloma. With decades of experience and an extensive network of industry partnerships, she’s passionate about providing her patients with the best possible care.
Her unique partnerships allow her to work alongside top researchers and clinical trial teams to implement the latest treatments and cutting-edge medications. She understands how important it is for multiple myeloma patients to have access to these treatments - that’s why she’s dedicated herself to helping them find the right strategy for their particular needs.