Treatment for Multiple Myeloma in Tampa Bay
Treatment for multiple myeloma often includes a combination of local and systematic treatments. These include:
- Surgery to attach metal rods or plates to support weak bones and prevent fractures.
- Radiation therapy to treat areas of bone damaged by myeloma that have not responded to chemotherapy or drugs.
- Drug therapy, including combinations of chemotherapy, steroid treatment, immunomodulating agents, proteasome inhibitors, antibodies, nuclear export inhibitors, and a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE).
- Stem cell transplants after chemotherapy to introduce new, healthy blood-forming stem cells.
The experts at Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology can help treat multiple myeloma by using external beam radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy to treat areas of bone damaged by myeloma that are causing pain as well as for solitary plasmacytomas.
We start with an initial consultation which will result from either a referral from your primary care physician or from you calling our team to schedule a second opinion. We’ll review all of your information and discuss options with you. Once you and your physician jointly decide on a path forward, we’ll walk you through the next steps. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have and to take the time to make sure you understand your treatment plan. We’ll be with you every step of the way throughout your treatment, and our team of experts will ensure that each of your appointments is as convenient and stress-free as possible. Once your treatment is complete, you will meet with our team routinely to make sure your treatment has been successful.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells make an abnormal protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M-protein), M-spike, or paraprotein. When plasma cells make this protein, they can grow out of control and become cancerous. Plasma cells occur in bone marrow, intestines, and the bloodstream and are an important part of the immune system, which is made up of lymphocytes, T cells, and B cells. These cells work together to fight infections and other diseases. Bone marrow is also the home for other blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets.
There are other plasma cell disorders that feature abnormal plasma cells but are not active multiple myeloma, including:
- Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance
- Smoldering multiple myeloma
- Solitary plasmacytoma
- Light chain amyloidosis
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Common symptoms of multiple myeloma are low blood counts, which can lead to anemia, weakness, fatigue, increased bleeding and bruising, and a condition called leukopenia, which can decrease the ability to fight infection.
Multiple myeloma can also lead to decreased bone density, bone weakness, increased calcium levels, and kidney damage. Multiple myeloma is difficult to detect but can sometimes be found through routine blood tests that show an abnormal amount of protein in the blood.
Contact Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology today for more information about multiple myeloma, and multiple myeloma treatment options. Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology has multiple Florida facilities located in the Tampa Bay area in Tampa, FL, and Brandon, FL.