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7 Latest Ways to Reverse Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma happens when cancer develops in the body’s white blood cells, called plasma cells. The body uses healthy plasma cells to generate certain proteins, known as antibodies, which help fight infections. But in the case of multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells begin growing in the bone marrow and can damage the bones, red blood cells, organs, and immune system.

7 Latest Ways to Reverse Multiple Myeloma
With technological advancement, many effective interventions have come up to reverse multiple myeloma:

Chemotherapy
Patients with multiple myeloma may need to undertake multiple chemotherapy sessions in cycles, with one course having around four to six cycles. The course may last for months and is effective to a great extent in destroying myeloma cells. Today, with several other interventions having entered the scene, chemo has taken a backseat in curing multiple myeloma single-handedly, but doctors may recommend it alongside other treatments.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is essentially a type of treatment that boosts a person’s immune system to help destroy cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapy – in the most common type, T cells are collected from a patient’s body and re-engineered to give rise to CAR T cells, which target a protein present in the myeloma cell’s surface. Different types of immunotherapy may give rise to different side effects, some of which include diarrhea, BMI fluctuations, fever, and fatigue.

Targeted therapy
Here, the cancer’s specific proteins, genes, and tissues are targeted to prevent cancer growth and help with survival among patients with multiple myeloma. Recently, targeted therapy has proven highly effective in fighting multiple myeloma and improving its prognosis, so it is highly recommended by many oncologists. In some cases, the therapy may target specific enzymes called proteasomes, which digest proteins in the cells. In other cases, doctors administer monoclonal antibodies generated in laboratories and latch onto myeloma cells, removing them from the body using a person’s immune system. In this way, doctors may give specific combinations of treatments to target certain elements present in myeloma cells. Sometimes, targeted therapy may also be prescribed alongside chemotherapy.

Bone-modifying treatments
These days, bone-modifying treatments are among the top methods to reverse multiple myeloma because they help strengthen the bones and treat bone loss caused by the disease. Treatments involving bone-modifying treatments are given over a period of two years and may be re-administered if myeloma relapses. The side effects of bone-modifying treatments vary based on the type of treatment. Generally, oncologists dissuade patients from going for any invasive dental treatments while undergoing bone-modifying treatments for multiple myeloma.

Bone marrow transplant
In this treatment method, the bone marrow containing multiple myeloma cells is replaced by specialized, engineered cells, preventing the cancer from spreading. These cells are called hematopoietic stem cells and grow into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma cells. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is of two types: allogeneic (ALLO), which uses donated stem cells, and autologous (AUTO), which uses the patient’s cells. AUTO is more commonly recommended for patients with multiple myeloma. Side effects of bone marrow transplant may differ based on the type of transplant and the patient’s overall health parameters.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy basically uses high-energy X-rays to fight myeloma cells. Radiation oncologists may administer different types of radiation therapy, the most common being external-beam radiation therapy, which involves radiation from an external machine. It is usually not the first line of treatment for multiple myeloma – doctors recommend it only when chemotherapy is not effective in controlling the growth of multiple myeloma cells or bone pain. Patients may face some side effects with radiation therapy, including upset stomach, fatigue, and some skin problems.

Surgery
Sometimes, surgery may be needed to manage specific symptoms of multiple myeloma, like bone disease, especially if there are fractures. Oncologists may be able to help patients with specific surgery details and pre- and post-surgical care.

Lifestyle tips while healing from multiple myeloma
There is no easy and quick way to reduce multiple myeloma. But timely treatment alongside certain lifestyle changes can help accelerate recovery:

  • Maintain an active lifestyle
    Bone pain and fatigue due to treatment may make it difficult for patients with multiple myeloma to be active, but being sedentary can worsen the symptoms. Even mild, low-intensity workouts, such as walking, jogging, stretching, and practicing some basic yoga poses, can help manage multiple myeloma symptoms.
  • Have small, healthy meals throughout the day
    Nausea and indigestion are common when one is seeking treatment for multiple myeloma. But cancer treatment deprives the body of essential nutrients, so maintaining a balanced meal plan is important. Patients may try having multiple small meals throughout the day, but these meals should be wholesome and healthy. Fruits and vegetables, eggs, lean meats, lentils, whole grains, and sprouts are some healthy options to reverse multiple myeloma with diet.
  • Sleep well
    Fatigue is common among patients with multiple myeloma. It may be a cancer symptom or a side effect of treatment. Sleep may not be the ultimate solution to cure fatigue, but it can help one feel more refreshed and manage treatment side effects better. So, patients with multiple myeloma should try to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
  • Maintain good hygiene
    With multiple myeloma, one is highly susceptible to infections. So, it is all the more essential to maintain good hygiene, follow healthy practices like washing hands frequently, maintain a distance from people who are unwell, and avoid stale or raw foods, especially raw meats.

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