Multiple Myeloma - Prognosis And Management

Prognosis and Management

Multiple Myeloma is thus far incurable but is largely treatable. The patient might want to discuss the methods of treatment that are best suited for him and also take a second opinion before embarking on being treated.

Lisa Ray in her blog writes about her treatment “When I’m on steroids, I can feel my skin stretch and expand and move in ways and sensations I haven’t felt before. It can be fascinating (for some like myself) to meditate on the pathways of your organism. I bloat up to three times my normal ’size’. It’s like putting on a wetsuit. Except its kinda permanent. Until you stop taking the steroids. Then I deflate again.”

In another section she writes- ‘That’s another thing about steroids. They make you really hyper.’

Lot of research is being carried out regarding the multiple myeloma. A patient may discuss the scope of taking part in the on -going clinical trials with his doctor.

In a recent research (Jul2009) article published in the medical journal Lancet authors Raab MS, Podar K et al from Harvard Medical School, Boston, write –

‘This knowledge has already expanded treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma. Prototypic drugs thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide have each been approved for the treatment of this disease by targeting both multiple myeloma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment. Although benefit was first shown in relapsed and refractory disease, improved overall response, duration of response, and progression-free and overall survival can be achieved when these drugs are part of first-line regimens. This treatment framework promises to improve outcome not only for patients with multiple myeloma, but also with other haematological malignancies and solid tumours.‘

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Constant monitoring and check ups are necessary to monitor for changes in the disease status. Timely treatment will help to control the disease to a large extent.

Prognosis depends on the health and age of the patient, stage of the disease and the extent to which a patient responds to treatment.

It is widely accepted that complementary and alternative therapies help to alleviate the symptoms of MM to a large extent. These include, special diets and vitamins, acupuncture, ayurveda, meditation and massage therapy. Most of these could be carried out along with ongoing standard therapies.

Exercises such as walking are vital for good health and to keep the bones healthy.