Introduction to common blood disorders – multiple myeloma

  Multiple myeloma is a malignant proliferative disease of plasma cells, most commonly seen in middle age and old age, with more men than women between the ages of 50 and 60. Multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of all tumors and 10% of hematologic tumors. The natural course of the disease is 0.5-1 year, and the survival period can be significantly prolonged or achieve long-term “survival with disease” after treatment.  Common symptoms of multiple myeloma 1. Bone destruction The most commonly invaded bones are skull, ribs, sternum, vertebrae and the proximal ends of long bones of the limbs Bone pain is the most common early symptom, most commonly in the lumbar region, followed by the sternum, ribs and limb bones Initially, the pain may be intermittent or wandering, and then gradually worsen and become persistent, with localized pressure pain, bulging or fluctuating sensation; it may be accompanied by pathological fractures, often not in weight-bearing areas, and often several fractures at the same time. Several fractures may occur simultaneously.  Infiltration of myeloma cells into other organs Infiltration of myeloma cells into the spinal nerve roots or the brain and spinal cord can cause neuralgia, sensory abnormalities, and even paralysis due to the infiltration of myeloma cells throughout the body, resulting in enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, with liver enlargement being the most common.  The reduction of normal immunoglobulin content often leads to immune system dysfunction. Patients often have recurrent infections, with lung and urinary tract infections being the most common. 5. High viscosity syndrome A large amount of monoclonal immunoglobulin increases blood viscosity, slowing down blood flow and causing microcirculatory disorders, especially in the retina, brain, kidneys and other organs.  The diagnosis of multiple myeloma is made by the presence of M protein peaks in serum protein electrophoresis, multiple osteolytic changes in bone X-ray, and a large number of myeloma cells in bone marrow smear. If two of the three tests are positive, the diagnosis can be made in combination with clinical manifestations. Proteasome inhibitors (PS-341), arsenic agents, immunotherapy and other combined therapies have resulted in significantly higher treatment remission rates and significantly longer survival for patients.