Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that originates from white blood cells called plasma cells. Many factors affect the outlook for a person with this disease, including their age, overall health, and kidney function, as well as the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Over time, myeloma cells multiply and accumulate in the bone marrow and solid parts of the bones.

Multiple myeloma can lead to organ damage that affects the kidneys, the bones, and the overall immune system.

In this article, we look at the outlook for people with different stages of multiple myeloma. We also look at the symptoms and treatment of multiple myeloma and what can affect a persons outlook.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that doctors will diagnose 34,920 new cases of multiple myeloma in 2021 and that there may be 12,410 deaths from the disease.

When a person receives a multiple myeloma diagnosis, the doctor will use the Revised International Staging System (RISS) to determine the stage of the cancer. This staging system is based on:

A person will receive a diagnosis of either stage 1, 2, or 3 multiple myeloma. There is also a stage 0, a slow-growing type of multiple myeloma that is called smoldering myeloma.

However, survival rates are based on summary staging, which the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program developed. This staging system groups cancers into:

As multiple myeloma does not spread to the lymph nodes, the regionalized stage is not relevant to this cancer.

The 5-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma is as follows:

These statistics mean that a person with localized multiple myeloma is 75% as likely as someone without multiple myeloma to live for 5 years after receiving the diagnosis.

People who receive a smoldering myeloma diagnosis can live for years without any treatment. Additionally, beginning treatment early does not appear to affect the outlook.

The stage of multiple myeloma is among the factors that can affect a persons outlook.

Other factors include:

A small 2014 study involving 82 people with an average age of 61 years found that those with damaged kidneys had a median survival rate of 13 months, whereas those without kidney damage lived for an average of 41 months.

Additionally, changes in chromosomes and genetic abnormalities can affect a persons outlook. The specific chromosomal abnormalities that doctors consider high risk affect chromosomes 4, 14, 16, and 17.

The treatment for smoldering myeloma typically consists of watchful waiting, as this stage is slow growing.

Drug therapy for multiple myeloma consists of:

Other treatment options include:

Multiple myeloma can cause:

A doctor may recommend supportive therapies to help manage these side effects. These may include surgery to help support weakened bones and prevent fractures.

Learn more about the treatment options and how to manage the symptoms.

A person should contact a healthcare professional if they notice any symptoms of multiple myeloma.

After receiving a multiple myeloma diagnosis, a person may want to ask the following questions:

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood. The outlook for people with multiple myeloma depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. It also depends on how well a persons kidneys are functioning and their age and overall health.

However, different treatment options are available. A person should talk with a healthcare professional about which treatment options would best suit them.

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Outlook for multiple myeloma: Figures and factors that affect it - Medical News Today