Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infections. These white blood cells originate in the bone marrow and can spread through the body. Experts aren't sure what causes abnormal plasma cells, but multiple myeloma reduces blood cell production. Low red blood cells are often a first symptom of multiple myeloma, which is diagnosed with a blood test, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests.

Multiple myeloma is a serious blood cancer, but it is highly treatable today and many people can live a quality life for many years after their diagnosis.

Multiple myeloma doesn't typically cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages. In the later stages, people with this condition may experience:

• Bone pain, particularly in the spine or ribs
• Bones that break easily
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Frequent illnesses or infections
• Weakness in the arms or legs

If left untreated, multiple myeloma can lead to kidney damage and kidney failure.

Several demographic and health-related factors are associated with increased multiple myeloma risk. According to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute:

• Age: People older than 45 are at increased risk of developing the disease.
• Sex: Men are more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
• Race: Black people are twice as likely as white people to develop the condition, possibly because of genetic factors.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese also increases the risk of developing multiple myeloma.

Patients with multiple myeloma may receive a stem cell transplant or CAR T Cell Therapy.

Stem cell transplants

Ochsner's Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program is one of only three programs in Louisiana to be fully accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) to perform autologous and allogeneic bone marrow/stem cell transplants. FACT is the only accrediting organization that addresses all quality aspects of stem cell and cellular therapy.

A stem cell transplant treats certain types of hematologic (blood) cancer. Stem cells live in the bone marrow, where they divide and make blood and immune cells. Once these cells mature, they leave the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. During a stem cell transplant, stem cells are transplanted from the bone marrow, the bloodstream, or the umbilical cord blood of newborns.

A stem cell transplant is not a surgery. Stem cells are given intravenously. For those who wish to donate stem cells, there are two ways to do it:

• Blood donation is the most common method. The donor first receives injections that stimulate increased stem cell growth. The stem cells are then collected and frozen until needed.
• Surgery is a less common alternative. A needle is placed into the back of the hip bone to extract the stem cells, which are then filtered and frozen until needed.

Once the stem cells are ready to be used, they are thawed and put into a patient's bloodstream intravenously. The stem cells then travel to the bone marrow, where they begin producing blood cells. After a few weeks, blood tests measure the patient's blood cell levels.

Family members between the ages of 18 and 65 are often considered first as potential donors. If no suitable family match is found, patients may depend on donors registered through the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. Registered donors are between 18 and 40 years of age and in good health. View the full list of medical guidelines to become a registry donor.

More than 70% of patients who need a stem cell transplant don't have a family member who qualifies for donation. Many resources are available to help you decide whether to donate.

CAR T-cell therapy

Ochsner is the only FACT-approved adult cell therapy site for CAR T-cell therapy in Louisiana.

CAR T-cell therapy, also known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy, is a personalized form of immunotherapy that genetically modifies a patient's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It is used to treat some types of blood cancer, including multiple myeloma.

The success of CAR T-cell therapy is promising. Significant remission rates have been seen in patients who have not responded to standard cancer treatments.

Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans was the first institution in Louisiana to use CAR T cell therapy in adults.

Ochsner provides multidisciplinary care for multiple myeloma. Dedicated cancer care professionals from multiple specialties work together to deliver the most effective treatment and support available, providing patients with specialized knowledge and a personalized treatment plan that can make a meaningful difference in quality of life and recovery.

The Ochsner multidisciplinary myeloma care team includes:

• Blood bank and cellular processing physicians
• Dietitians
• Hematologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurses
• Pathologists
• Pharmacist
• Physician assistants
• Psychologists
• Radiologists
• Social workers

Ochsner Health is one of only three cancer care centers in Louisiana accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. Ochsner is the only FACT-approved adult cell therapy site for CAR T Cell Therapy.

U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans as a “High Performing” hospital for Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma care.
 

Yes. Ochsner is one of the busiest myeloma centers in Louisiana. Dedicated myeloma centers with experience like ours can lead to better outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma.

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but it is highly treatable. The cancer care experts at Ochsner have helped many patients achieve remission and return to regular routines. Ochsner also continues to carefully monitor our patients.

A stem cell transplant is a procedure used to treat certain types of hematologic (blood) cancer, including multiple myeloma. 

Stem cells are collected from bone marrow, the bloodstream, or umbilical cord blood and transplanted intravenously into the patient. They then travel to the bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood cells. 

The procedure is not a surgery. It is administered like a blood transfusion.

A stem cell transplant, also called a bone marrow transplant, replaces your bone marrow with healthy cells. The replacement stem cells can either come from your own body or from a donor.

When the patient is the donor, it is called an autologous bone marrow transplant. When the donor is someone other than the patient, it is called and allogenic bone marrow transplant.