Myeloma
Myeloma is an uncommon form of cancer that involves your blood, more specifically your plasma. If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the key to a successful outcome is to get a team of expert hematologists and oncologists to watch over your disease, intervening when necessary. To find out more about the care and treatment of myeloma, call to schedule an appointment.
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BOARD CERTIFIED ONCOLOGISTS SPECIALIZING IN MYELOMA
Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley
N. Charleston, Summerville, Walterboro
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Common Questions
What is multiple myeloma and how is it different from other blood cancers?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells — a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that normally produces antibodies. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells accumulate, crowd out healthy blood cells, and produce a dysfunctional protein that can damage the kidneys and other organs. It is distinct from leukemia and lymphoma and is typically a multi-organ disease affecting the bones, kidneys, blood counts, and immune function.
What is MGUS, and does it always progress to myeloma?
MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance) is a precursor condition in which a small number of abnormal plasma cells produce M protein at levels below the threshold for a myeloma diagnosis and without causing organ damage. MGUS does not always progress to myeloma — the annual risk of progression is approximately 1%. However, because the risk is real and lifelong, individuals with MGUS are followed with regular blood tests and monitoring.
Is multiple myeloma curable?
Multiple myeloma is not yet considered curable for the majority of patients, but it is highly treatable with outcomes that have improved dramatically over the past two decades. Many patients achieve deep and prolonged remissions, and a growing subset achieve functional cure-level outcomes, particularly those who respond to stem cell transplantation combined with novel therapies. Treatment options have expanded significantly with proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapies.
What does myeloma treatment typically involve at Charleston Oncology?
Treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma typically begins with induction therapy to rapidly reduce disease burden. For transplant-eligible patients, this is followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, then maintenance therapy — often with lenalidomide — to prolong remission. For patients who are not transplant candidates, alternative induction regimens and maintenance approaches are used. Our hematologist/oncologists are current with the latest NCCN guidelines and ensure patients have access to clinical trials and the best available strategies.
What symptoms or complications should myeloma patients watch for?
Myeloma can cause a range of complications requiring active monitoring. Key symptoms to report include new or worsening bone pain (commonly affecting the spine, ribs, and pelvis), signs of infection (fever, chills) due to immune suppression, fatigue or shortness of breath from anemia, decreased urine output or swelling (signs of kidney involvement), and neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. At Charleston Oncology, our team actively monitors for and manages these complications as part of your ongoing care.
