Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in the plasma cells. Plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells, help in fighting infections by making antibodies that attack and recognize germs. Multiple myeloma causes cancerous cells to accumulate in the bone marrow. This leads to them crowding out healthy blood cells. Before deciding the course of treatment, doctors will make use of multiple tests to detect the stage of multiple myeloma and the severity of the condition.

These tests can include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests such as X-ray, PET scan, or an MRI. The doctor may also examine the bone marrow closely by collecting a sample. After the diagnosis is complete, the doctor will categorize the disease as Stage I, II, or III.

The doctor will monitor the situation and if they determine that the patient is not experiencing the symptoms that are significant of the disease, they may not move ahead with treatment. This is also known as smoldering multiple myeloma. The doctor may also monitor the situation further to ensure that, at any stage, the condition isn’t progressing. Regular blood and urine tests will be conducted, and if there are certain tell-tale signs, then the doctor will go ahead and start the treatment procedure. Listed below are some treatment options for multiple myeloma and their respective procedures:

1. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is used to address certain abnormal functions present in cells that give rise to this disease. Some of the medications used include carfilzomib, bortezomib, and ixazomib. These attack the cell abnormalities that are responsible for the breakdown of protein in the myeloma cells. The treatment is administered intravenously or orally. The treatment is known to be effective and causes the affected cells to die. Monoclonal antibodies are also used in targeted therapy, wherein they bind to the protein in the affected cells and destroy the same.

2. Biological therapy and chemotherapy
Biological therapy is used to boost the immune system so it has the natural ability to fight the affected cells. Some of the medications that are effective in this regard include thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide. They significantly strengthen the immune system and are available as pills. Chemotherapy medications, on the other hand, are used as multiple myeloma treatment options when the stage of the condition has progressed and the cells are found to grow rapidly. This treatment method helps kill the cells and they can be taken either orally or intravenously.

3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are used to help the immune system fight inflammation. These medications include prednisone and dexamethasone. They also act against the affected cells; these can be consumed orally or intravenously.

4. Bone marrow transplant
A stem cell transplant may be necessary to replace the affected marrow with a healthy one. Stem cells are collected via the blood and intense chemotherapy is used to destroy the affected bone marrow. The stem cells are subsequently introduced into the body and they begin rebuilding the bone marrow.

These are some of the multiple myeloma treatments that are normally used.