Myeloma Explained — Insights Into The Disease And Its Treatment

Although myeloma is treatable, it is generally not curable, and advanced therapies like blood stem cell transplantation can provide patients with extended survival and improved quality of life.

By Dr Nitin Agarwal 

Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells — white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies to fight infections. This disease affects the bone marrow, weakening the immune system and causing complications such as bone pain, anaemia, and kidney dysfunction. In India, myeloma represents around 1.8% of all cancers, with thousands diagnosed each year. Although myeloma is treatable, it is generally not curable, and advanced therapies like blood stem cell transplantation can provide patients with extended survival and improved quality of life.

In healthy individuals, plasma cells live in the bone marrow, working in harmony with red and white blood cells and platelets to support bodily functions. In multiple myeloma, however, these plasma cells become cancerous, multiply uncontrollably, and crowd out healthy cells. This imbalance not only hampers the body’s ability to fight infections but also leads to the deterioration of bones and other organs.

While initial treatments for myeloma often include medications such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs, many patients can benefit from a blood stem cell transplant. A blood stem cell transplant replaces the damaged or diseased marrow with healthy stem cells, giving the body a chance to rebuild its blood cell production and regain immune function.

The Procedure

The procedure begins with chemotherapy to eliminate the diseased cells, followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells. These stem cells can either be collected from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a matching donor (allogeneic transplant). The donor’s Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) must closely match the patient’s to prevent complications.

Finding a matching donor can be challenging. While 30% of patients may find a match within their family, the majority must rely on unrelated donors registered with international stem cell registries. Unfortunately, with less than 0.6 million Indian donors currently registered, many patients struggle to find a compatible match. Since ethnicity plays a key role in matching, it is crucial to encourage more individuals of Indian origin to register as potential stem cell donors.

Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a severe blood disorder. For many, a blood stem cell transplant is the only path to recovery. The lack of registered donors adds to the urgency of increasing awareness about stem cell donation.

The process of registering as a donor is simple. Healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 55 can sign up by filling out a consent form and swabbing the inside of their cheeks. This sample is analysed to determine HLA compatibility and listed anonymously on international registries, making it accessible for patients worldwide.

The author is an MD in Transfusion Medicine, and HoD, Donor Request Management, DKMS BMST Foundation India

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]