Mysterious Multiple Myeloma

By Jewel Johl, MD

Normal plasma cells are important for the body’s immune system to function properly and there are several types of cells that make up the immune system that help to fight off infection. Lymph cells make up the main type of cell in the immune system and are made up of T cells and B cells. When the B cells respond to fight off an infection, they turn into plasma cells. Plasma cells are mainly within the bone marrow and make up proteins known as antibodies. When the plasma cells grow out of control they can form a tumor, usually within the bone. When there are multiple plasma cell tumors present it is called Multiple myeloma.

According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States alone the lifetime risk of developing multiple myeloma is 1 in 159 and for 2012 it is estimated that about 20,000 people will be diagnosed with about 10,000 deaths expected.

Multiple Myeloma is hard to diagnose early because many patients do not have symptoms until after they are in an advanced stage of the disease. While some people don't have any symptoms at all, the following are the most common symptoms of this disease: bone problems, low blood counts, high blood calcium, nervous system symptoms, kidney symptoms and infections. The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown; however there are many risk factors scientists have associated with the disease.

The guidelines provided below are from the American Cancer Society:

Age: The risk of multiple myeloma goes up with age. Very few cases are found in people younger than 35. Most people with this cancer are over 65 years old.

Gender: Men are slightly more likely to get multiple myeloma than women.

Race: Multiple myeloma is almost twice as common among black Americans as white Americans. The reason is not known.

Radiation: Exposure to radiation may increase the risk of multiple myeloma. At most, this accounts for a very small number of cases.

Family history: This cancer seems to run in some families. If a person has a parent, brother, or sister with the disease, their risk of getting it is 4 times higher than that of other people. But this is rare. Most patients have no other relatives with the disease.

Workplace exposure: Some studies suggest that workers in some oil-related industries may be at a higher risk.

Weight: A study by the American Cancer Society found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of getting this cancer.

Other plasma cell diseases: Many people with certain other plasma cell diseases will develop multiple myeloma later.

The 5 year survival rate is at only 40% for individuals diagnosed; however recent breakthroughs in treatment options are changing those statistics for longer lives. With new drugs released, and combining old drugs, scientists have been able to double the life expectancy of an individual who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a staggering statistic giving hope to breakthroughs in other treatments of cancer.

Dr. Johl is Board Certified in Medical Oncologist and Hematologist.  He practices with Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill and also sees patients in Brentwood.  Dr. Johl can be reached at 925-677-5041.