Multiple Myeloma: Diagnosis and Treatment - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #cancer diagnosis
- #multiple myeloma
- #hematologic malignancy
- Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy of plasma cells, causing excessive monoclonal protein production.
- It accounts for 36,000 new cancer diagnoses annually in the U.S., with a median diagnosis age of 69.
- Symptoms include bone pain, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, kidney failure, and hypercalcemia; some patients are asymptomatic.
- Initial evaluation involves blood tests, metabolic panels, serum calcium, urinalysis, protein electrophoresis, and imaging.
- Diagnosis requires urine/serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light chain assay, imaging, and bone marrow analysis.
- Oncology referral is recommended if initial tests suggest multiple myeloma.
- Treatment involves a 3-4 drug regimen, autologous stem cell transplantation if eligible, and maintenance therapy.
- Adjunctive care includes bisphosphonates/denosumab and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
- Family physicians are key in addressing psychosocial needs, identifying relapse, and managing comorbidities.