Multiple Myeloma in India: Understanding Symptoms and New Therapies

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects white blood cells, i.e., plasma cells. In this disease, too many abnormal cells gather in the bone marrow. They grow fast and can damage the bones and other organs. It is considered a prevalent disease in Western countries, but it is slowly increasing in India. Understanding symptoms, therapy advancements, and early detection can improve prognosis for multiple myeloma.

Early red flags

Identification of multiple myeloma involves identifying the subtle blood cancer symptoms. The plasma cells generate abnormal proteins that damage organs, causing multiple symptoms. Hypercalcemia is a symptom that causes nausea, excessive thirst, and confusion. Anemia leads to exhaustion and weakness. The abnormal proteins can also lead to kidney failure or bone pain, which increases the risk of fractures. As the immune system is affected, there is a risk of constant infections.

Diagnosis path for timely detection

As the symptoms occur, physicians will further check for specific tests to check for high protein levels or signs of anemia or kidney dysfunction. Blood and urine tests to check high protein levels and a bone marrow biopsy for the presence and percentage of cancerous plasma cells in the bone marrow. Imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans are used to examine bone damage. Early detection makes way for effective myeloma treatment before the occurrence of significant damage.

Innovations in Indian treatments

The field of cancer treatment in India is developing. The Post-Graduate Institute of Medical and Research (PGI) is conducting trials for CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma patients. Medicines, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and immunotherapies form the current treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and proteasome inhibitors.

Advancements in cancer therapies in India have turned multiple myeloma from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. Timely diagnosis, medicines, and immunotherapy can help control the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life. In India, awareness about cancer and treatment developments is key to fighting multiple myeloma.