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Multiple Myeloma | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cancer Types

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a rare disease. Our experience in treating this cancer can result in better outcomes for you.

Multiple Myeloma
Cancer Types

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma

Medically reviewed by Primo Lara, M.D. on Jan. 08, 2024.

Multiple myeloma is a rare disease. Our experience in treating this cancer can result in better outcomes for you.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in the plasma cells inside the bone marrow. Plasma cells play a key role in your immune system, helping to fight infection and disease.

Our Multiple Myeloma program is part of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The specialists who treat these types of cancer are experts in the field.

We use the most advanced methods to accurately diagnose and effectively treat multiple myeloma. Our doctors are at the forefront of research for new therapies. That means you have access to the most innovative treatments possible.

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Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma often produces no symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, people may experience issues related to their bones, blood counts, kidney function and/or nerve function.  

Common Symptoms

  • Bone pain (typically in the back or ribs)
  • Bone weakness or fractures
  • Bruising
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Trouble breathing
  • Weakness in arms or legs
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Causes and Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma

Age

Most people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are at least 45 years old. The risk tends to increase with age.

Biological Sex

Multiple myeloma is slightly more common in men than in women.

Race

Black people are nearly twice as likely as white people to develop multiple myeloma.

Family History

Having a parent or sibling with the disease increases your risk.

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Diagnosis and Testing of Multiple Myeloma

A comprehensive blood test can reveal some possible indicators of multiple myeloma. A low red blood cell count (anemia) or high creatinine levels can be signs of multiple myeloma. Blood and urine tests can measure levels of myeloma protein.

If these tests — and any symptoms you have — suggest multiple myeloma, your doctor may do a bone marrow biopsy. Typically, they use a needle inserted into the back of the pelvic bone to remove a small sample of bone marrow. Testing the bone marrow can confirm a multiple myeloma diagnosis.  

Multiple Myeloma Treatments

The best treatment for multiple myeloma depends in part on your age, overall health and stage of the disease. We use the most advanced treatments for all stages of multiple myeloma. Our network of clinical trials also provides you with access to new drugs and therapies not readily available elsewhere.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications (delivered by IV or taken orally) to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells.

Radiation

Radiation therapy delivers high-energy rays directly to the bones damaged by multiple myeloma.

Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant replaces your unhealthy stem cells with healthy ones. Our Division of Malignant Hematology/Cellular Therapy and Transplantation offers the latest and most effective treatments. If you have multiple myeloma, we typically use your own healthy stem cells rather than from a donor. This process is sometimes called a bone marrow transplant.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy (sometimes called precision medicine) uses medication to target cancerous cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy drugs use your own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Car T-cell therapy is one type of immunotherapy often used to treat multiple myeloma.

There is a

1 in 132Lifetime risk of multiple myeloma

Source: American Cancer Society: Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma

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