Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. The cancer-causing cells usually attack the plasma cells thus preventing the body from fighting infections. The cells multiply rapidly in the bone marrow and overcrowd it. These cancer-causing cells are not mature, and they produce abnormal proteins which cause complications in the immune system. Multiple Myeloma can be treated depending on how severe the condition has become. Some people may have this cancer for years without showing any signs or symptoms while for others the cancer cells may multiply rapidly. Some of the signs and symptoms for multiple myeloma include:

• Sudden weight loss
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Constipation
• Bone pain and tenderness
• Lack of appetite

Before receiving treatment for multiple myeloma, one is supposed to visit a doctor for a series of tests to determine if they have cancer. A doctor will also be able to tell the stage at which the cancer is so that they can recommend the best treatment option. If one has multiple myeloma, but the symptoms are not severe, treatment is not necessary. The following are some of the treatment options for multiple myeloma:

1) Targeted Cancer Treatment
This form of treatment uses drugs that are used to fight the abnormalities caused by multiple myeloma cancer cells. Targeted Cancer Treatment is aimed at the abnormalities of the cells and what causes them to accumulate and survive. Some of the drug treatments that are used for this include bortezomib, ixazomib, and carfilzomib. The drug is administered to the patient as pills or as an injection. Targeted Cancer treatment ensures the myeloma cells die and are not able to multiply.

2) Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to treat multiple myeloma, and it is the most common form of cancer treatment. It is a rigorous treatment that kills the growing cancer cells to eliminate any cancer-causing cells in the body. The cancer cells can grow back, but chemotherapy is a preventive measure to ensure they do not grow out of control.

3) Bone marrow transplant
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the bone marrow, and therefore, a bone marrow transplant is a treatment option. This treatment is done by replacing the bone marrow cancer with bone marrow from a viable candidate that is free of cancer. The bone marrow cancer patient needs to have a bone marrow that is compatible with theirs for the treatment to be a success.

4) Cancer Immunotherapy
This is a new form of treatment that uses the immune system to fight cancer-causing cells. Cancer immunology involves a three-step process that is elimination, equilibrium, and escape. The primary goal of cancer immunology is to ensure the body maintains its normal level of homeostasis. The immune system is responsible for eliminating any cancer-causing cells.

5) Bottom line
One can live a healthy and happy life if they receive the right treatment for multiple myeloma. It is essential to speak to a doctor to identify what treatment options work best for you.