概述
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. These abnormal cells multiply and crowd out healthy cells, leading to bone damage, weakened immune function, and organ complications. It primarily affects older adults and is considered a chronic but treatable disease.
症状
- Bone pain (especially in back, ribs, or hips)
- Fatigue and weakness (due to anemia)
- Frequent infections
- High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
- Kidney dysfunction
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness or weakness in legs (spinal compression)
病因与风险因素
- Age > 60
- Male gender
- African descent
- Family history of myeloma
- Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals (e.g., benzene)
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
诊断方法
- Blood tests: Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation, free light chain assay
- Urine tests: Bence-Jones proteins
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, PET-CT (to detect bone lesions)
- Cytogenetic testing to assess prognosis
治疗方案
- Targeted therapy (e.g., proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib)
- Immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., lenalidomide)
- Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., daratumumab)
- Chemotherapy
- Autologous stem cell transplant (for eligible patients)
- Radiation therapy (for localized bone pain or lesions)
预后情况
- Incurable but treatable
- 5-year survival ~55–60% (varies by age and genetic profile)
- Newer therapies have significantly improved life expectancy
与此类癌症共处
- Long-term medication management
- Bone health support (e.g., bisphosphonates)
- Monitoring kidney function
- Nutritional support and infection prevention
- Emotional and caregiver support
预防与筛查
- No standard screening
- MGUS patients require regular monitoring
- Avoid exposure to carcinogenic chemicals
FAQs
Q: Is multiple myeloma a bone cancer?
A: No, it’s a blood cancer that affects the bones, but doesn’t originate in the bone tissue.
Q: Can multiple myeloma be cured?
A: There is no cure, but many patients live long lives with ongoing treatment.
Q: Is stem cell transplant mandatory?
A: It’s not mandatory but is a common part of treatment for eligible patients.
相关资源
- International Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org)
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
- ClinicalTrials.gov
