Understanding multiple myeloma

Navigating a multiple myeloma diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through it, can bring a lot of questions and new emotions. While the last 20 years have brought development and innovation in treatment–offering patients a sense of hope and encouragement–this rapidly evolving landscape can also make navigating therapeutic options and clinical management decisions increasingly complex.

This space is designed to offer clear, digestible information for patients, caregivers and anyone seeking to understand more about multiple myeloma–from recognising signs and symptoms, to making sense of the diagnosis and what it might mean for you. Beyond the facts, we hope you'll find comfort and connection through the experiences of the multiple myeloma community, in addition to essential advocacy and support resources, and insights into how advancements in treatment options are shaping a brighter future.

We believe a brighter future in multiple myeloma care is fueled by science, support and shared strength.

About multiple myeloma

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is the third most common form of blood cancer globally. It is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found primarily in the bone marrow.

Healthy plasma cells are a vital part of the immune system, responsible for producing antibodies that help the body fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in the bone marrow.

These cancerous cells, called myeloma cells, crowd out healthy blood cells and produce abnormal proteins that damage the body. Unlike some cancers that form a single tumour, multiple myeloma often affects multiple areas of the bone marrow throughout the body.

Multiple myeloma is a complex disease that can evolve over time.

After initial treatment, the disease often changes and can come back (known as relapse) or may not respond effectively to medication (called refractory disease).

A computer graphic that shows blood cells, antibodies, and a biological structure.

Multiple myeloma cancer cell amongst red blood cells

Lou, a person living with multiple myeloma. She has a short blonde bob and is wearing an ultramarine blue top

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“It's quite hard to explain to people that you're about to start this journey, it's going to change your life as all cancer diagnoses do, but it's not really going to end. It goes on...[doctors] keep you on permanent treatment, to keep the myeloma at bay for as long as possible. And so it's a continuous journey.”

Lou,
Person living with multiple myeloma

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What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

The symptoms of multiple myeloma can be varied and often mimic those of other conditions, which can sometimes delay diagnosis.

Signs & symptoms

Although some affected with multiple myeloma will not exhibit any signs of the disease (asymptomatic), common symptoms include:

Breakdown of bone resulting in high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia), which causes dehydration, excessive thirst, nausea, constipation and confusion
Anaemia that may result in weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath

Poor kidney function
Fatigue
Frail bones, making patients more susceptible to fracture
Weakened immune system, predisposing patients to respiratory infections such as pneumonia

An older black man speaking with a young Asian doctor

How common is multiple myeloma? Who does it impact?

While multiple myeloma is often described as a rare blood cancer, its global impact is significant and growing.

Patients & prevalence

3^rd

most common blood cancer globally

Males

are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than females

66-70 years

is the average age range at diagnosis

>60%

5-year relative survival rate for patients in the US

2x

global incidence has approximately doubled over the past 30 years

>180,000

diagnosed globally each year

Diagnosis and treatment

How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?

Diagnosing multiple myeloma typically involves a combination of exams, imaging and investigational tests. These tests help healthcare professionals confirm the presence of the disease, assess its extent and guide treatment decisions.

How is multiple myeloma treated?

Treatment for multiple myeloma has advanced significantly in recent years. Over the course of their disease, patients may be treated with one or more therapies to treat the myeloma and associated symptoms. Possible treatments include:

Targeted therapy
Biological therapy
Stem cell transplant
Corticosteroid medication
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery

Currently, multiple myeloma is generally considered an incurable but highly treatable cancer. This highlights the critical importance of continued research and the development of additional, innovative therapies to help manage and treat the signs and symptoms associated with multiple myeloma.

Diagnosis

Several exams and investigational tests may be used to help diagnose multiple myeloma:

1

Specialised blood tests

2

Bone marrow examination

3

X-rays and other imaging tests

Sarah Gooding, MD, PhD. She is smiling at the viewer and has wavy brown hair. She is wearing a black cardigan over a floral blue top.

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“The lines of treatment that we can give people now, and the years people are living, is so completely different to what it was a decade ago. That in itself is inspiring.”

Sarah Gooding,
MD, PhD, Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine,
University of Oxford

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C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD. An older man smiling at the viewer, wearing a white lab coat and a grey shirt and black tie. He has close cropped hair and is clean shaven.

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“I'm very hopeful about the future. Survival used to be one or two years, rarely over three, but now patients are able to spend more time with their friends and family. That's a profound shift.”

C. Ola Landgren,
MD, PhD, Director, Sylvester Myeloma Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami

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What does life with multiple myeloma look like?

Living with multiple myeloma is a unique and evolving journey for each individual. While a multiple myeloma diagnosis presents significant challenges, many people manage the disease as a chronic condition and continue to lead fulfilling lives. This journey often involves several key aspects:

Ongoing medical management

Living with multiple myeloma often involves regular medical appointments, continuous monitoring through tests and ongoing treatments.

Building a strong support system

Connecting with family, friends, support groups or mental health professionals can help provide emotional and practical support, foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Active participation in care

Working closely with your medical care team by staying informed, asking questions and discussing treatment decisions, can help ensure that care plans are best tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Karin, a person living with multiple myeloma. She is wearing a white visor and a blue tank top, and is carrying a black athletic bag.

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“My goal now is to just go forward and live each and every day to the fullest. You can still live your life and still enjoy going places, things that are important to you.”

Karin,
Person living with multiple myeloma

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Community and support

Voices from the multiple myeloma community

We believe in the power of shared experiences. Below, you’ll find inspiring and informative videos featuring individuals who are living with multiple myeloma, their dedicated caregivers and healthcare providers, and myeloma experts committed to improving care and outcomes. These perspectives provide a deeper look into the journey, from diagnosis and treatment to what drives their hope for the future.

Karin

Lou

This is a link to a video. Lou, a person living with multiple myeloma. She has a short blonde bob and is wearing an ultramarine blue top

Cindy

Annamarie

Jack, Lydia and Oyiza

This is a link to a video. The image is split into three frames as it is a panel, with all three wearing blue shirts.

Advocacy and support

Accessing reliable information and connecting with others who understand the journey can help individuals navigating multiple myeloma find strength and support. These dedicated organisations are offering vital resources, fostering community and working to advance research to potentially improve the lives of those impacted.

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

Advances research, education, support and advocacy to improve the lives of myeloma patients worldwide.

Blood Cancer United

Unites and empowers individuals impacted by blood cancers through comprehensive support, resources and advocacy.

Cancer Support Community

Provides free emotional and social support to people impacted by cancer, their caregivers and their loved ones.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

Drives research to accelerate the development of innovative treatments in the hope of finding a cure for multiple myeloma.

HealthTree Foundation

Empowers people impacted by cancer by providing personalised information, treatment options and connecting them to research and clinical trials.

Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE)

Advocates for myeloma patients across Europe, working to improve access to care, research and resources.

Looking to tomorrow

Multiple myeloma remains a complex disease, but the dedication to understanding and treating it is stronger than ever. Recognising that this disease can often return or require different therapeutic approaches, researchers are relentlessly pursuing new knowledge and therapies. The treatment landscape is continuously evolving, with significant progress and ongoing efforts across the global community offering a sense of renewed hope, potentially improving outcomes and transforming the future for those impacted.

Explore a patient's perspective on navigating multiple myeloma and the promise of ongoing treatment innovation.

Lou, a woman with short blonde hair facing left, looking thoughtfully out a window.

‘I feel hopeless and frustrated’

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