Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma overview

Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer. It can affect your bones and kidneys, as well as your levels of healthy blood cells. It is a fairly rare cancer, with just under 35,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Multiple myeloma happens when cancerous plasma cells (white blood cells that make antibodies) build up in your marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. The word “multiple” means that cancer cells are found in more than one area of the body. Smoldering myeloma and MGUS are conditions that can happen before multiple myeloma, but these conditions don’t usually need treatment. 

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive myeloma treatment from a team of experts who are dedicated to treating patients with this rare cancer. Fred Hutch is an internationally recognized center for multiple myeloma, with the most advanced diagnostic, treatment and recovery programs.

Because of our innovation and research programs, patients at Fred Hutch have access to new approaches like CAR T-cell therapy and groundbreaking clinical trials. 

Antibody A protein made by immune system cells and released into the blood. Antibodies defend the body against foreign substances, such as bacteria. Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy A type of treatment in which a patient's T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory so they will attack cancer cells. A type of treatment in which a patient's T cells (a type of immune system cell) are changed in the laboratory so they will attack cancer cells. T cells are taken from a patient’s blood. Then, in the laboratory, the gene for a special receptor that binds to a certain protein on the patient’s cancer cells is added to the T cells. This special receptor is called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Large numbers of the CAR T cells are grown in the laboratory and given to the patient by infusion. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is used to treat certain blood cancers, and it is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Also called CAR T-cell therapy.

Fred Hutch: A Leader in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Our doctors and scientists pioneered the bone marrow transplant, which is now one of the most important types of myeloma treatment. Every day, our research teams are exploring immunotherapies, new medicines and different combinations of medicines. 

Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Immunotherapy A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. A therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. Some immunotherapies only target certain cells of the immune system. Others affect the immune system in a general way. Types of immunotherapy include cytokines, vaccines, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and some monoclonal antibodies.
Confirming your multiple myeloma diagnosis

The first step in creating a treatment plan is checking your diagnosis of multiple myeloma or another plasma cell disorder.

Your doctors will use blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy to learn more about your myeloma, find out the stage of your cancer, get other information that can help predict what will happen with your disease and find out which organs in your body are affected.

Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue or fluid that is examined to see whether cancer is present. This may be done with a large needle or through surgical removal of tissue or fluids. Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Stage The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.
Confirming your multiple myeloma diagnosis

The first step in creating a treatment plan is checking your diagnosis of multiple myeloma or another plasma cell disorder.
 

Your First Appointment

From the first time you come to see us, your care team will begin getting to know you and your family. What are your questions? What are your concerns?  

At your first appointment, your hematologist-oncologist will explain your disease, including any unique parts of your diagnosis. They will tell you how the disease is treated and what tests you need to help plan your individual care. Before you leave, your team makes sure you understand the next steps. 

Hematologist A physician who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues.

Care at Fred Hutch

How Does Fred Hutch Approach Treatment?

The safest, most effective and most widely accepted therapies for cancer are known as the “standard of care.” For many patients, these therapies will be a large part of their treatment. At Fred Hutch, we provide all standard therapies for multiple myeloma. We know how to choose the right ones for you and how to deliver them to give you the best chance at a full recovery.

Our doctors and researchers are always asking how we can make multiple myeloma treatments more effective and reduce side effects as much as possible. This is why we do clinical trials (also called clinical studies). Through these studies, we are able to offer you therapies that aren’t available everywhere. A therapy that is going through trials today may become the new standard of care tomorrow.

Along with treating your cancer, a group of world-class professionals is here to support you. This team includes nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and psychologists. We also include supportive care services for your physical, mental and emotional well-being.  
 

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician. Physician assistant A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A physician assistant may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds and give injections and immunizations. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. Standard care A treatment or other intervention currently being used and considered to be of proven effectiveness based on past studies. Standard care A treatment or other intervention currently being used and considered to be of proven effectiveness based on past studies.
“The foundation of a cancer success story is teamwork.”
— Andrew J. Cowan, MD, hematologist-oncologist

Treatment Plan and Process

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of multiple myeloma you have. You are unique, and your care team will design a treatment plan specifically for — and with — you. At Fred Hutch, doctors with knowledge and experience in your type will plan and provide your care. 

Smoldering, or indolent, myeloma doesn’t cause symptoms, and patients with this condition may not need treatment right away. People who have active, or symptomatic, myeloma will be treated by our experienced, compassionate team.  

As you go through treatment, your needs may change. Your care team at Fred Hutch is with you each step of the way. For example, we will help you cope with any side effects you have. We may suggest adding a new therapy that was just approved. Even after your multiple myeloma treatment is done, we will keep seeing you to protect your health over the long term.

Indolent Slow-growing. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

For Caregivers

Caregiver icon

When someone close to you is diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you might step into the role of caregiver. Being a caregiver can mean many things, from lending a hand with daily living tasks to helping with medical decisions. It can also mean dealing with your own emotions and stress. 

At Fred Hutch, caregivers are valuable members of a patient’s care team. We see every day that your presence and your support make a difference. We know that what your friend or family member is going through affects you, too.

Part of our mission is to help you take care of yourself. Caring for yourself is good for your own physical, mental and emotional health. It also helps you give your best to your loved one. Our social workers, Spiritual Health team and Patient and Family Resource Center staff are here to help support you.

Caregiver A person who gives care to people who need help, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers or members of the clergy. They may give care at home, in a hospital or in another health care setting.

Other Resources

Care team
Care team

At Fred Hutch, a team of dedicated people surrounds you and your family to give you the highest level of care and support. You are the most important person on your care team. Our patients are at the center of everything we do.

Research
Research

Fred Hutch is a national leader in cancer research, with teams of doctors and scientists working to test new treatments or new ways to use current treatments. 

Resources
Resources

There are many resources for learning about your disease, as well as organizations that provide support. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have made a list of trusted sources to help you get started.