Understanding Multiple Myeloma
Raising awareness for a rare and often misunderstood cancer
What is MM?
MM is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are immune cells that make antibodies in the bone marrow, where all blood cells are produced. Multiple myeloma develops when a specific type of white blood cell, called a plasma cell, becomes cancerous, which means it begins to grow out of control. When this happens, your bone marrow starts to make more abnormal plasma cells, and they crowd out the other blood cells your body needs to survive. These are your other white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Symptoms and Who it Affects
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Most common in adults over age 60
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5-10% under 40
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Twice as common in black Americans compared to white Americans
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More common in men than women
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Often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms
Common Symptoms Include
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Bone pain from bone damage or lytic lesions (especially in back, hips, or ribs)
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Fatigue or weakness
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Frequent infections
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High calcium levels
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Decreased kidney function
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Low blood counts (anemia)​
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*10 – 20% of patients have no symptoms at all*
Stages of Myeloma
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MGUS: Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance ~ benign
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SMM: Smoldering Multiple Myeloma ~ pre-malignant
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Myeloma: Active malignant disease​
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pPCL*: Patients may also present with pPCL: Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia which is when there are 20% or more plasma cells present in the peripheral blood. This is what Ron had*
Treatment Options
While there is currently no known cure, treatment can help control the disease and improve quality of life. Care is usually personalized based on the patient’s age, health, and stage of the disease. Most of these treatments require very long hospital stays for monitoring purposes, making an impact on life and work at home. While many patients achieve remission and progress toward a cure is being made, multiple myeloma is still considered incurable, with most patients eventually experiencing relapse. Ongoing research offers hope that this will continue to change.
Common Treatments Include
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Combination Therapies
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Immunomodulatory drugs, Proteasome Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, Steroids
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Chemotherapy
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Stem Cell Transplant ~ Melphalan
Newer Treatment Modalities
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CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy)
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Bispecific Antibodies
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Nuclear Export Inhibitor
Supportive
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Bisphosphonates (bone strengtheners)
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Blood transfusions
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Growth Factors
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Pain Management
Currently Being Researched
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Antibody-drug Conjugates
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BCL-2 Inhibitor
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Bispecific Antibody
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CAR-T Therapy and Allogenic CAR-T Therapy
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CELMoD
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Checkpoint Inhibitor
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Monoclonal Antibody
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Natural Killer Cells (Donor)
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Selective Inhibition of Nuclear Export
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T Cell Engager
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Tri-specific Antibodies
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Vaccine
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Vitamin
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MRD (Minimal Residual Disease) Guided Therapy
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Targeting Specific Proteins
Why Awareness Matters
Despite its impact, multiple myeloma is not well-known, and often diagnosed late. People with localized myeloma have about an 80.7% chance of living five years after diagnosis BUT only 3.4% of people are diagnosed when it’s still in the early, localized stage. Greater awareness can lead to earlier detection, more research funding, and stronger support systems for families affected by the disease.
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At FAM, we believe no one should face this journey alone. Your support helps us continue our mission.