Risk Factors, Complications, And Treatment Options For Multiple Myeloma

The Four Best Treatments For Multiple Myeloma

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but there are treatment options available. Four of the best treatment options include chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplants, and radiation. Chemotherapy is the injection of anti-cancer medication into the body to stop cell division and kill cancer cells. This treatment greatly affects the immune system, and some side effects include hair loss, pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme weakness. Corticosteroids are usually taken before a stem cell transplant. Corticosteroids prevent white blood cells from crowding areas in the body that have been damaged by cancer cells. This makes transplants safer by limiting swelling and inflammation in these areas. A stem cell transplant is typically used in combination with other treatments. For example, a patient may first undergo chemotherapy and then take corticosteroids before receiving a stem cell transplant. If the cancer is localized, radiation therapy can be used to kill the cancer cells. Radiation treatment is usually given in low doses to minimize side effects.