Relapse in multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are normally found inside the bone marrow.
Healthy bone marrow makes a type of white blood cell called plasma cells…
…which make proteins called antibodies to fight infection.
In multiple myeloma, plasma cells become cancerous…
...and turn into multiple myeloma cells that produce abnormal antibodies (M‑proteins). The amount and level of M‑proteins (also called an M‑spike) can help your doctor measure the disease and follow your response to treatment.
When there are too many myeloma cells, they produce large amounts of M‑proteins and crowd out normal blood cells in the bone marrow. This can cause damage to your bones, kidneys, and other organs, as well as low blood cell count.
You are not alone with your diagnosis.
Though it is not a common cancer, multiple myeloma is still the
2nd most common blood cancer in the United States.
Ask your doctor if KYPROLIS® is right for you
Relapsed multiple myeloma means that your multiple myeloma has come back after a period of remission.
During relapse, you might feel some of the symptoms you felt when you were first diagnosed.
Having a relapse can feel devastating at first, but with
treatment, many people are able to move beyond relapse
and back to [re]remission
Setting a plan is important when multiple myeloma relapses,
so you can get back to focusing on the people and activities that matter most to you. Fortunately, more medicines are available today that can help you reach remission after relapse.
When talking with your doctor about your treatment options, consider discussing:
- What works best for you and your life right now
- What kind of support will help you stay on track with your treatment