Stem Cell Therapy for Myeloma in Malaysia

This is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found at the center of some bones. The function of the bone marrow is to produce the body’s blood cells. Myeloma affects the plasma cells and does not take the form of a tumor or lump. Myeloma cells divide and expand causing damage to the bones and affecting healthy blood cell production. Myeloma affects various places in the body such as the ribs, spine, pelvis and skull

Myeloma does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages and is often caught after routine urine and blood tests. However, as the disease progresses symptoms include:

• Weak bone which easily fracture
• A persistent dull ache in your bones
• Fatigue and shortness of breath
• Recurrent infections
• Bruising
• Unusual bleeding such as bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds and heavy periods.

Myeloma is a rare type of cancer and its exact cause is not known. However, it is more common in:

• People with excess immunoglobulin (a protein molecule) in their blood
• Adults over the age of 60
• Black people
• Current treatment
• Presently, there is no known cure for myeloma. However, treatment can be provided to control it for several years. Treatment usually involves:
• Anti-myeloma drugs which destroy the myeloma cells
• Medicines and medical procedures to prevent treat and manage myeloma complications such as fractures, bone pain, and anemia
• Anti-myeloma medicines to control relapses

Initial therapy typically involves intensive treatment with high dose of chemotherapy which aims at destroying the myeloma cells.

However, the high doses of chemotherapy also affect the healthy bone marrow and for the bone marrow to recover a stem cell transplant is needed. In most cases, the stem cells are harvested from the patient before the treatment begins. In some cases, the stem cells are collected from a sibling or unrelated donor.

Having a stem cell transplant is very demanding on both your physical body and your emotions. Your doctors will give you all the necessary information on what to expect and how to prepare. They will also answer any questions that you may have.

You will have various scans and tests before the stem cell transplant to assess your general health. A central line may be inserted into a vein in your chest. This is used to take blood samples and administer medication.

After the stem cell transplant, your blood count will be monitored. After the blood count improves and the side effects have reduced you will be discharged. You will have regular appointments with your doctor for the first few months after the transplant. Any severe side effects or infections should be attended by a doctor immediately.

Your doctor will give you advice on how to take care of your health after discharge. This will include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding crowded places
• Protection of the skin from the sun
• Use of effective contraception
• Suitable exercise