Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells and proliferates in the bone marrow. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells crowd out healthy cells by producing abnormal proteins that can cause kidney problems.

Donor requirements for participation:

• You must be clinically diagnosed by a medical professional. Confirmation of the diagnosis and/or treatment must be verified with your physician.
• Be pre-screened to determine eligibility.
• You’re willing to donate plasma through the apheresis process.
• You must have a photo ID and be able to provide your social security number or proof of citizenship.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must weight at least 110 lbs.
• You must disclose if you have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and/or HIV.

For questions and concerns about requirements or participation, contact us at (833) GO-4-CURE.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary and, early in the disease, there may be none. When signs and symptoms do occur, they can include bone pain, especially in your spine or chest, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, mental fogginess or confusion, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, weakness or numbness in your legs and excessive thirst.

Treatment

If you’re experiencing early onset of multiple myeloma, treatment can help relieve pain and control the progression of the disease. Though there’s no cure for multiple myeloma, but with good treatment results you can usually return to near-normal activity. Treatment options include targeted therapy, biological therapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplantation, and radiation therapy.

This information is not meant for clinical diagnosis, but as an educational resource derived from Mayo Clinic.