Treating Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
- Cancer therapy to treat multiple myeloma doesn't always eliminate symptoms of the disease.
- Bone problems are common and may be treated with medications used for osteoporosis or procedures to bolster bone material if fractures occur.
- Kidney problems can be made worse by the myeloma drugs themselves, requiring a careful balancing act between fighting the cancer and preserving kidney health.
And among the most common symptoms are bone problems, including pain and bone weakness that raises the risk of fractures. Even though multiple myeloma is a blood cancer, it comes from a particular blood cell called a plasma cellan immune cell found in bone marrow, explains hematologist Dr. Matthew Pianko with the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Read MoreIn an effort to prevent fractures, doctors may prescribe medications used to treat osteoporosis, a bone-thinning condition that also raises the risk of fractures from falls or other injuries. "Zoledronic acid can be given to try to prevent future fractures in patients and sometimes help the bone fracture healing process," Dr. Pianko says.
Another bone-related symptom that may require treatment is an increase of calcium levels in the body caused by multiple myeloma. Signs of high calcium levels include confusion, as well as dehydration and constipation, Dr. Pianko says. In some cases, simply administering fluids and focusing on better hydration relieves these symptoms. Medications to bring down calcium levels may also be needed.
Other Common Symptoms
Another frequent complication of multiple myeloma is anemia brought on by the increase in plasma cells and the decrease in red blood cells. The disease disrupts the normal blood-forming processes, but with effective myeloma treatments, a healthy balance of blood cells often returns, says Dr. Pianko, adding that sometimes blood transfusions are needed to treat anemia until normal blood-forming resumes.
One of the more complicated symptoms to treat is kidney dysfunction triggered by the abnormal proteins multiple myeloma produces. Unfortunately, certain chemotherapy drugs and other myeloma medications, including carfilzomid (Kyprolis), can also harm the kidneys. "We try to limit the amount of harmful drugs that can further hurt the kidneys, such as over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and similar drugs such as these, or the use of intravenous contrast for CT scans, which can also hurt the kidneys," Dr. Pianko says. "We try to limit the amount of harm that we can cost the kidneys while we try to get the disease under control."
Getting calcium levels under control can also help ease the burden on the kidneys.
Takeaway
Of course, multiple myeloma can also lead to a range of other symptoms, including fatigue and a higher risk of infections. Adjusting your lifestyle to include a healthy diet and regular exercise, if possible and with the approval of your doctor, may help improve symptoms and complement the work being done by your medications. In addition, the emotional stress of living with cancer can feel overwhelming at times. Turning to family and friends for support can make a huge difference. This is not a time to be too proud to accept assistance. You may also find some peace of mind and inspiration by participating in a support group for people with multiple myeloma, as they will understand better than anyone just what you're thinking and feeling.
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