Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that starts in plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells make antibodies that help the immune system fight infections. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones where normal blood cells are created.

In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells grow out of control and multiply. They crowd out healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can lead to conditions like anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. These cells also release an abnormal antibody called M protein, which can damage the kidneys, weaken bones, and increase the risk of fractures.

Multiple myeloma is treated by hematologic oncologists, specialists who care for blood and bone marrow cancers. At Penn Medicine, our blood cancer care team has helped develop many of today’s most advanced treatments, including CAR T cell therapy.

A person with multiple myeloma might have some of the following symptoms:

• Bone pain or weakness, sometimes leading to fractures
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue (excessive tiredness), weakness, or confusion
• Loss of appetite or weight loss for no apparent reason
• Nausea, constipation, or belly pain
• Pain or weakness, especially in the back or legs
• Repeat infections
• Urinating (peeing) a lot

What causes myeloma cancer?

Multiple myeloma is caused by several genetic mutations. Scientists at Penn Medicine are still studying the exact causes, and each case is unique. Some people may have a higher risk of developing the disease:

• Black or African American individuals
• People assigned male at birth
• Older adults
• Overweight or obese individuals
• People with a family history of multiple myeloma

How multiple myeloma is diagnosed and treated

The earlier we diagnose the multiple myeloma, the more treatment options you will have.

Diagnosis also involves staging, or determining how advanced a cancer is. Staging is a complex process that provides essential information about the best treatments and your prognosis (outlook).

Multiple myeloma treatment focuses on slowing or stopping the cancer's spread, as well as managing its effects on other body systems. We offer every effective option to treat multiple myeloma, including traditionally effective treatments, the newest advances and bloodless procedures.

An experienced team guiding your care

If you have multiple myeloma, you need an accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment from experts. Penn Medicine hematologists are pioneers in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers. When you choose us for multiple myeloma care, you’ll find:

• A nationally recognized program: Penn Medicine is one of just a few hematologic malignancy research programs in the country approved and funded by the National Cancer Institute. Our team is one of the largest and most experienced in the country.
• Expertise in each type of blood cancer: Our multiple myeloma team consists of fellowship-trained hematologists (blood cancer specialists). They use the most advanced technology to accurately diagnose and stage the disease and tailor your care.
• Support through the cancer journey: We offer comprehensive cancer support services. Your team will include hematologists, nurses specialized in multiple myeloma, nurse navigators, nutritionists, support groups, financial counselors and more. They focus on sensitive, personalized attention for your unique needs.
• Every treatment option: We offer every type of effective treatment, from traditional options to the newest immunotherapy and CAR T cell therapy. We’re one of very few centers that specialize in bloodless transplantation for those whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of blood products.
• Cutting-edge research: Penn Medicine is a pioneer in research to find new treatments for blood cancers. You’ll have access to many multiple myeloma clinical trials of the latest, most promising treatment options.