Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells of the body. Also known as plasma cells, these help to produce antibodies that identify and attack germs and thus, prevent infection.

In multiple myeloma, the cancer cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. These cancer cells produce anomalous proteins that cause further complications. The condition is categorized into various stages and the different stages of multiple myeloma require different methods of treatment. In this article, we will talk about the various treatment options available to help control the disease.

• Targeted therapy: This form of treatment is usually used to treat the initial stages of the condition. In this, several medicines are administered that block the adequate functioning of cancer cells, causing the myeloma cells to die. These medicines may be given to the patient intravenously or in pill form. Some of the most commonly used targeted therapy medicines are ixazomib, carfilzomib, and bortezomib.
• Biological therapy: This is another type of therapy that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. There are several medicines, such as thalidomide and pomalidomide, that boost the immune system to recognize and attack the myeloma cells. These medicines are generally administered in the form of a pill.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for the different stages of multiple myeloma. The medicines administered in this treatment attack the fast-growing cells in the body, including the cancer cells. While some medicines are given orally, there are others that need to be given intravenously. Sometimes, chemotherapy medicines also attack the healthy cells in the body. This is what causes the side effects of this form of treatment.
• Corticosteroids: Medicines such as dexamethasone and prednisone, among others help to regulate the immune system that controls the inflammation in the body. They also destroy the myeloma cells. Corticosteroids can be either administered through a vein in your arm or taken in pill form.
• Bone marrow transplant: Also known as a stem cell transplant, this is an extensive treatment procedure. It involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. Before the procedure, the blood-forming stem cells are collected from your blood. After that, you are given heavy doses of chemotherapy to destroy your ailing bone marrow. Finally, fresh stem cells are infused into your body where they attach to your bones and start rebuilding your bone marrow.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment involves exposing your body to high-beam X rays that damage the myeloma cells. This therapy helps to quickly shrink the myeloma cells collected in a specific part of the body and hence can only be used in the initial stages. If the cancer metastasizes, this therapy is not helpful in treating it.

These are some of the most common treatment options available for treating the different stages of multiple myeloma. It is important to understand the different options and their potential side effects with the help of a doctor before proceeding with any.