Facts About Multiple Myeloma & Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma: Mantle cell lymphoma is a kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Mantle cell lymphoma develops when the B cell becomes abnormal. B cells are a type of white blood cell that fights against infections. The abnormal B cell usually accumulates in the lymph node of the body but rarely affects other parts of the body.
Multiple myeloma: This is also known as plasma cell Myeloma or Kahler's disease or simply myeloma. Multiple myeloma is the plasma cell cancer plasma cell is a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies that strengthen the immune system of human beings. When there is only one tumor present it is termed as plasmacytoma however when there is more than one tumor it is known as multiple myeloma.
At the initial stage of multiple Myeloma there is no specific symptom while when the disease progresses there are frequent infections, anemia, bone pain, bleeding.
The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. However, it is assumed that radiation exposure, family history, obesity, in contact with certain chemicals may be the reason for multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma can develop from monoclonal gammopathy that progresses slowly to form myeloma. The abnormal plasma cell in humans produces abnormal antibodies that cause thickening of blood as well as kidney problems.
The diagnostic technique of multiple Myeloma and Mantle cell lymphoma in 2020: According to the International Myeloma working group criteria, the diagnosis and related disorders of multiple myeloma have been revised. The Diagnostic technique of multiple myeloma requires the existence of Myeloma defining events of 10% or extra clonal plasma cell on biopsy-proven plasmacytoma. Myeloma defining events consist of different features established with three specific biomarkers. These biomarkers are:
● Clonal bone marrow plasma cells ≥60%
● Serum-free light chain (FLC) ratio ≥100 (given active FLC level is ≥100 mg/L)
● More than one focal lesion on MRI.
Each of the above mentioned 3 biomarkers is associated with an 80% risk of progression of organ damage.
What the updated criteria have an advantage of early diagnosis and initiation of therapy before any organ damage.
Treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma: For the treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Mantle cell lymphoma generally, there are two methods:
● Medication
● Surgery
Medication: Multiple myeloma is treated with a combination of drugs the type of medication include steroid medication, blood transfusion, bone health and chemotherapy.
● Steroid medication: Several types of steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone are one of the best steroid medications used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. This medication can either be used alone or in combination with other medications. The main function of corticosteroid is to reduce vomiting and nausea.
● Blood transfusion: Blood of a healthy person is transferred into the patient suffering from multiple myeloma.
● Bone health: those medications are preferred which enhances the strength of bones.
● Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drug is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Bortezomib is one of the best chemotherapy medications used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma who have received prior therapy.
A single vial of bortezomib injection is used in the patient suffering from multiple myeloma.
Surgery: Transplantation is also used in the treatment of multiple Myeloma for Mantle cell lymphoma.
Some Questions of Multiple Myeloma Patients
What is the bortezomib injection used for?
Bortezomib is a drug that belongs to the proteasome inhibitor class drug used in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior therapy.
How do you administer bortezomib?
Bortezomib is available in injection form. It can be either used intravenously or subcutaneously, in case of subcutaneous injection is injected in the abdomen or upper thigh.
What kind of drug is bortezomib?
Bortezomib is basically a proteasome inhibitor class drug.
Is Bortezomib a chemotherapy drug?
Bortezomib is a targeted therapy medication.
What are the side effects of bortezomib?
Some common side effect of bortezomib 2mg includes anemia, leukopenia,
neutropenia, decreased appetite, psychiatric disorders, anorexia, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and aesthetic conditions.
Does bortezomib cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not the side effect of bortezomib injection however it can be caused by the effect of other medications when combined with bortezomib.
How long can a person live with multiple myeloma?
The survival rate for a patient suffering from multiple myeloma depends upon their response to treatment and the stage of cancer. According to research, it has been found that patients diagnosed at an early stage with multiple myeloma may have a more than 5-year survival rate.
Is multiple myeloma cancer curable?
There is no cure of multiple Myeloma to date however treatment is done to control tumor growth, eliminate Myeloma cells, control pain, and allow sufferers to have a healthy life.
How do you get multiple myeloma?
The main cause of multiple Myeloma is unknown however it is believed that multiple myeloma is caused due to environmental exposure or c-Myc genes.
