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Multiple Myeloma Treatment at Renova Hospitals

By Dr. Rajesh Bollam

January 07, 2026

Multiple Myeloma: Understanding a Blood Cancer That Affects Bone Marrow

Q: Is multiple myeloma a curable disease?

Multiple myeloma is not considered curable at present. However, with modern treatments, many people are able to control the disease for long periods and maintain a good quality of life. Outcomes vary depending on disease stage and response to treatment.

Q: What are the early warning signs of multiple myeloma?

Early symptoms may include persistent bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained fractures or abnormal blood test results. In some cases, there may be no symptoms initially, and the condition is detected during routine health check-ups.

Q: Who is at higher risk of developing multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is more common in people over 50 years of age, in men, and in individuals with a history of plasma cell disorders such as MGUS. Obesity and certain environmental exposures may also increase risk.

Q: Does everyone with multiple myeloma need a stem cell transplant?

No. Stem cell transplant is recommended only for selected patients based on age, overall health and disease status. Many patients are successfully treated with medications alone.

Q: How long can someone live with multiple myeloma?

Life expectancy varies widely. Many patients live for several years, and some live 10 years or longer, especially when the disease is diagnosed early and responds well to treatment.

Q: When should I consult a doctor for suspected multiple myeloma?

You should consult a doctor if you experience persistent bone pain, unexplained fatigue, frequent infections or abnormal blood test results. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Q: Is Multiple Myeloma the same as Bone Marrow Cancer?

Multiple Myeloma is a specific blood cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, unlike bone cancer which originates in the hard bone tissue itself.

Q: What are the 4 "CRAB" symptoms used to diagnose Multiple Myeloma?

The CRAB criteria include elevated Calcium, Renal (kidney) failure, Anemia (low red blood cells), and Bone lesions or fractures.

Q: Is Multiple Myeloma curable in 2026?

While still considered incurable, modern therapies like CAR-T cell and bispecific antibodies allow many patients to live in long-term remission for decades.

Q: How is Multiple Myeloma detected in blood and urine tests?

Doctors look for the M-protein spike in blood (SPEP) and Bence-Jones proteins in urine to confirm the presence of abnormal plasma cell activity.

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It affects plasma cells, which play a key role in the immune system by producing antibodies that help fight infections. When these plasma cells become abnormal, they multiply uncontrollably and interfere with normal blood production.

This condition can weaken bones, lower immunity and affect vital organs such as the kidneys. If left undiagnosed or untreated, multiple myeloma can lead to serious complications. However, with advances in medical oncology, multiple myeloma is now considered a highly manageable disease, particularly when detected early and treated with modern therapies.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma occurs when healthy plasma cells develop genetic changes that cause them to grow out of control. These abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood-forming cells.

In addition to disrupting normal blood cell production, myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins that circulate in the blood. These proteins can damage bones, kidneys and the immune system, contributing to many of the symptoms associated with the disease.

Multiple myeloma most commonly affects:

Adults above 50 years of age
Men slightly more than women
People with long-standing immune or plasma cell–related disorders

Although it is considered a rare cancer, multiple myeloma accounts for a significant proportion of blood cancers diagnosed worldwide.

How Multiple Myeloma Affects the Body

As multiple myeloma progresses, it can impact several systems in the body:

Bone marrow: Reduced production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
Bones: Increased bone breakdown leading to pain, thinning and fractures
Immune system: Reduced ability to fight infections
Kidneys: Damage caused by abnormal proteins and high calcium levels

These effects often develop gradually, which is why early symptoms may be overlooked.

Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Symptoms of multiple myeloma often appear slowly and may initially resemble common age-related or lifestyle-related health issues. Some people may not notice symptoms until routine blood tests reveal abnormalities.

Common warning signs include:

Persistent bone pain, especially in the back, ribs, hips or pelvis
Fatigue and weakness due to anaemia
Frequent or recurrent infections caused by low immunity
Unexplained fractures or bone thinning
Weight loss and reduced appetite
Nausea or constipation due to high calcium levels

If these symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is essential.

What Causes Multiple Myeloma?

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not fully understood. Medical experts know that it develops when plasma cells acquire genetic mutations over time. These mutations are not inherited but occur during a person’s lifetime.

Researchers continue to study the specific gene changes involved, as these mutations help doctors understand how aggressive the disease is and how it may respond to treatment.

Risk Factors

Several factors are associated with a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma:

Increasing age, especially above 50 years
Male sex
Family history of plasma cell disorders
Obesity
Certain environmental or chemical exposures
Pre-existing plasma cell conditions, such as MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)

Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop multiple myeloma, but it may increase the likelihood.

Complications of Multiple Myeloma

If not managed appropriately, multiple myeloma can lead to complications such as:

Bone fractures and deformities
Kidney dysfunction or kidney failure
Severe anemia
High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling
Recurrent or severe infections

Some complications may require urgent medical care, particularly kidney failure or spinal cord compression due to weakened vertebrae.

Diagnosis and Tests

How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies and tissue analysis to diagnose multiple myeloma and assess disease severity.

Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood tests to detect abnormal proteins, anemia and organ function abnormalities
Urine tests to identify protein leakage linked to myeloma
Bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of abnormal plasma cells
Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI or PET-CT scans to assess bone damage
Kidney function and calcium level tests

Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps prevent irreversible organ damage.

Precursors to Multiple Myeloma

Some people are diagnosed with early plasma cell disorders that may progress to multiple myeloma, such as:

MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance)
Smouldering multiple myeloma

Most individuals with these conditions do not develop active multiple myeloma, but regular monitoring is essential.

Staging of Multiple Myeloma

Doctors use established staging systems to determine how advanced the disease is. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and estimate prognosis. It is based on blood markers, organ involvement and genetic features of the cancer cells.

Management and Treatment

How Is Multiple Myeloma Treated?

Treatment for multiple myeloma has evolved significantly, offering patients improved survival and quality of life. Therapy often involves a combination of medications and, in selected patients, stem cell transplantation.

Treatment options may include:

Targeted therapy to attack cancer cells more precisely
Immunotherapy to strengthen the immune response against cancer
Chemotherapy to reduce abnormal plasma cells
Steroids to control inflammation and tumour growth
Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant in eligible patients

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient based on age, disease stage, symptoms and overall health.

Supportive Care During Treatment

In addition to cancer-directed therapy, patients may receive:

Medications to reduce bone pain and prevent fractures
Treatments to protect kidney function
Vaccinations or antibiotics to prevent infections
Nutritional and physical rehabilitation support

Outlook / Prognosis

What Can You Expect With Multiple Myeloma?

There is currently no permanent cure for multiple myeloma. However, many patients live for years with controlled disease due to modern treatment approaches.

Prognosis varies depending on:

Stage at diagnosis
Genetic features of the cancer
Response to treatment
Overall health of the patient

Early-stage disease generally has better outcomes and longer survival

Living With Multiple Myeloma

Living with multiple myeloma involves ongoing monitoring, treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Patients are encouraged to:

Follow their treatment plan closely
Attend regular follow-up appointments
Maintain good nutrition and safe physical activity
Seek emotional and psychological support when needed

Managing the condition is a long-term process, but many people continue to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced significantly, allowing patients to live longer with improved quality of life. While living with a blood cancer can be challenging, patients are not alone in this journey.

At Renova Hospitals, care is focused not only on treating the disease but also on supporting patients physically and emotionally through every stage of care.

Expert Care at Renova Hospitals

At Renova Hospitals, patients with multiple myeloma receive comprehensive and personalised care under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Bollam, Director - Renova Hospitals and a European-certified Medical Oncologist.

With a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics and evidence-based therapies, Renova Hospitals aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a serious condition, but with early diagnosis, modern treatments and expert medical care, many patients can live longer and better lives. Awareness of symptoms and timely consultation can make a life-saving difference.

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Our healthcare specialists are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide you with the support you require. From consultation to diagnosis to treatments, our experts are dedicated to helping you.

Dr. Rajesh Bollam

Medical Oncology, Head & Neck Oncology

14 years Experience

Telugu, English, Hindi, Kannada

Renova Century Hospital - Banjara Hills, Renova Soumya Cancer Centre - Secunderabad, Renova Bannu Hospitals - Warangal

MBBS (Gold Medalist) DNB - General Medicine DM...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about our services, doctors, and care at Renova Hospitals. So you can feel informed and confident at every step.

Multiple Myeloma: Understanding a Blood Cancer That Affects Bone Marrow

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

How Multiple Myeloma Affects the Body

Symptoms and Causes

What Causes Multiple Myeloma?

Complications of Multiple Myeloma

How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Management and Treatment

What Can You Expect With Multiple Myeloma?

Expert Care at Renova Hospitals

Our Panel of Doctors

Dr. Rajesh Bollam

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is multiple myeloma a curable disease?

What are the early warning signs of multiple myeloma?

Who is at higher risk of developing multiple myeloma?

Does everyone with multiple myeloma need a stem cell transplant?

How long can someone live with multiple myeloma?

When should I consult a doctor for suspected multiple myeloma?

Is Multiple Myeloma the same as Bone Marrow Cancer?

What are the 4 "CRAB" symptoms used to diagnose Multiple Myeloma?

Is Multiple Myeloma curable in 2026?

How is Multiple Myeloma detected in blood and urine tests?

What is the difference between Smoldering and Active Myeloma?

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