Understanding the medications for multiple myeloma
Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells, results in the accumulation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are crucial for the immune system as they produce antibodies to fight infections. However, the condition causes overcrowding of plasma cells that produce abnormal proteins, resulting in complications. Relapse refers to the recurrence of a condition that was previously treated. Relapsed multiple myeloma refers to an imminent threat of this cancer developing in the same or different areas of the body. It usually occurs when the affected person fails to respond to the treatment or therapy well. Sometimes, patients can also relapse during treatment or continuous therapy after the first course of medications have been administered. Early relapsed multiple myeloma An early relapse is possible soon after the first line of therapy. The number of relapses may vary from person to person. A series of tests including a blood test, urine sampling, bone evaluation, and bone marrow analysis are done to confirm the condition. The recurrence of the condition can be classified as early relapse and late relapse. The treatment may depend on the severity of the symptoms; this also determines one or multiple combinations of the developing condition.