Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that involves a cell in the body called the plasma cell. Plasma cells are a specialized type of white blood cell that makes immunoglobulins or antibodies. Normal plasma cells work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. When abnormal plasma cells (also called myeloma cells) grow out of control, they can form a tumor in the bone marrow. When there is more than one tumor, it is called Multiple Myeloma. These tumors can interfere with the normal blood forming function of the bone marrow. This can result in a shortage of red blood cells or anemia. These abnormal plasma cells also do not protect the body from disease causing germs (such as bacteria and viruses) which subsequently predisposes people with Multiple Myeloma to different types of infection. Myeloma cells also react with bone dissolving cells to cause bone destruction. Weakened and fractured bones are a major problem in people with Multiple Myeloma.
Multiple Myeloma is one of the most common blood cancers. There are almost 16,000 new cases in the U.S.A. each year. The age of onset is typically in the early 60's. However, recent statistics have shown that Multiple Myeloma is becoming more common with younger people. At present, there is no cure for Multiple Myeloma. But, thanks to the efforts of Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and institutions like the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, great progress has been made in research. Historically, Multiple Myeloma treatments have remained unchanged for 30 years up until about 5 years ago. Since then new treatments have been introduced to help patients live longer and healthier lives.
This is a critical time in the advancement of Multiple Myeloma research. Some of the latest research involves looking at the microenvironment of cancer cells to see how they interact with their surrounding non-cancerous cells and tissues. By focusing on the microenvironment, researchers are developing ways to target cancer cells to "evict them from their molecular neighborhood." The potential of this approach can actually extend to other types of cancer besides Multiple Myeloma. (One such type being researched at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is for breast cancer.)
Because this is such a critical time for Multiple Myeloma research,we need your help. Please contact "Reaching for a cure" to make a donation or find out about other ways you can help fight this insidious disease.
