Multiple Myeloma (MM), also known as myeloma, Herpert's disease, or plasma cell myeloma, is a malignant tumor originating from plasma cells in the bone marrow. This disease is relatively common and mainly multiple, especially affecting middle-aged and elderly people, especially males over 40 years old, with a male to female ratio of about 2:1. The main sites of multiple myeloma include the spine, ribs, skull, and sternum, among which spinal involvement is more common, accounting for 10% of primary spinal tumors, with the lumbar spine being the most common.

Clinical symptoms

The clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma are diverse, mainly including bone pain, bleeding tendency, recurrent infections, kidney damage, hepatosplenomegaly, etc. Bone pain is the most common symptom of the disease, often manifested as persistent pain in the lumbar and sacral regions or chest and back. In addition, patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, and weight loss.

diagnostic method

The diagnosis of multiple myeloma usually requires confirmation through comprehensive examinations, including CT scans, bone and joint radiographs of limbs, spinal radiographs, renal function tests, and six blood biochemistry tests. These examinations help evaluate the patient's condition and provide a basis for developing treatment plans.

therapeutic method

There are various treatment methods for multiple myeloma, including surgical treatment, drug therapy, and radiotherapy. In recent years, with the continuous development of medical technology, new treatment methods have emerged, providing patients with more treatment options.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is one of the main treatment methods for multiple myeloma. The commonly used chemotherapy drugs include injectable cabozantinib, injectable bortezomib, etc. These drugs can inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells, controlling the progression of the disease.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a new development in the treatment of multiple myeloma in recent years. For example, the combination of Sarclisa (Isatuximab) and VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence or death in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are not suitable for transplantation. This combination therapy provides patients with new hope for treatment.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy also plays an important role in the treatment of multiple myeloma. By irradiating with radiation, tumor cells can be killed or their growth can be inhibited, achieving the therapeutic goal.

Bone marrow transplantation: For some young and physically healthy patients, bone marrow transplantation may be an effective treatment method. By transplanting healthy bone marrow cells, the patient's hematopoietic system can be reconstructed to achieve therapeutic goals.

In summary, multiple myeloma is a complex malignant tumor that requires comprehensive treatment methods. With the continuous advancement of medical technology and the emergence of new treatment methods, we believe that the future can bring good news to more patients.