Every year, 15,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma in India

Nearly 30 – 40% of these patients areas young as 40 years of age: Dr. (Col) Prakash G. Chitalkar

Indore. At a press meeting held at Indore, leading medical oncologistDr. (Col) Prakash G. Chitalkarin Indore, expressed concernover theburden of multiple myeloma (MM) cases in India. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, which over produces the plasma cells. As multiple myeloma advances, this overgrowth begins to affect the production of other blood-forming cells, leading to low hemoglobin reduced immunity, destruction of bones and kidney failure. Multiple Myeloma needsto be diagnosed by physicians, orthopedic surgeons, kidney specialist and further referred to a medical oncologist.

Dr. (Col) Prakash G. Chitalkar, said, “We have yet to understand why people get multiple myeloma, although age, family history, obesity and presence of other plasma cell diseases are some risk factors. MMincreases the risk of many other serious conditions. I would like people to understand that this type of cancer can be treated, especially when diagnosed early. Patients should check with their doctor to know their treatment options.”

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include persistent bone pain especially in the back or ribs, unexplained weight loss, frequent fever and infections, frequent urination and thirst and a persistent feeling of weakness or fatigue.

Diagnosis is made through a series of laboratory tests, imaging tests and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment depends on the patient’s age, the stage at which the disease has been diagnosed; also whether the patient has high risk of relapse or low risk of relapse.

In addition, right in the beginning doctors determine the patient’s suitability for a bone marrow transplant, and plan treatment accordingly. Treatment includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy. The result of treatment are improving, so that most patients today can expect to live about 5 – 6 years from the time of diagnosis.