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MULTIPLE MYELOMAWhat is multiple myeloma ?A rare, life-threatening cancer of the bone marrow in which malignant plasma cells interfere with the growth of red and white blood cells. How common is it ? It affects only about 50.000 Americans. But it isvery deadly, only about 28% of all patients live more than five years. Who is most at risk? It usually strikes people over age of 60. African-Americans are twice as likely to have it than the general population, and people who have been exposed to radiation or fertilizers seem to have a higher risk. What are the symptoms? Bone pain, most often in the spine, and brittle bones that fracture easily. What are the treatments? Stem-cells transplant and chemotherapy combined with using the steroid Prednisone. Both treatments are often given in conjunction with the bone strengthening drug Aredia. Studies also have shown some success using thalidomide to treat the disease, and researchers are also attempting to develop a multiple-myeloma vaccine. ( Hallie Levine-NYP, 04/22/01) --> return to menu / back ... (click) --> return to top of the page (click) |
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