Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms are diseases in which the body makes too many plasma cells.
Plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. Normally, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, some of the B cells will change into plasma cells. The plasma cells make a different antibody to fight each type of bacteria or virus that enters the body, to stop infection and disease. Plasma cell neoplasms are diseases in which there are too many plasma cells, or myeloma cells, that are unable to do their usual work in the bone marrow. When this happens there is less room for healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition may cause anemia or easy bleeding, or make it easier to get an infection. The abnormal plasma cells often form tumors in bones or soft tissues of the body. The plasma cells also make an antibody protein, called M protein, that is not needed by the body and does not help fight infection. These antibody proteins build up in the bone marrow and can cause the blood to thicken or can damage the kidneys.
The Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma program at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in inland Northern California. It provides the most advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment possible, including new therapies that often aren't available at community hospitals. Our physicians in our Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma program have extensive experience treating both common and uncommon cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. Our physician-scientists are also at the forefront of research to develop and test new drugs to combat this family of cancers, ensuring that new treatments developed in the lab move quickly to the clinic for the immediate benefit of our patients