Multiple Myeloma Research & Treatment
The purpose of these web pages is to inform patients, their families, and the wider community about Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's clinical trials (protocols) for treatment of multiple myeloma. Researchers at the Hutchinson Center develop experimental protocols based on their research, and also participate in experimental protocols developed by other cancer researchers. At this site you will find:Treatment Options
Research and Treatment Team
Links to Other Resources
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the body's plasma cells. Plasma cells are normally present in the bone marrow (making up less than 5% of the bone marrow) and are responsible for the production of antibodies when the body is dealing with infection.
Cancerous plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow, interfering
with normal immune response and bone marrow production of normal blood
cells. These myeloma cells invade and damage the bone, causing tumors (myelomas)
to form. Myeloma cells then travel to other sites in the body, causing
further tumors (hence the name "multiple myeloma").
Common features or symptoms of multiple myeloma are bone pain (especially with movement), anemia, fatigue, hypercalcemia, and increased incidence of infections (such as bladder or kidney infections, skin infections, pneumonia, or sinusitis).
Testing for and diagnosis of multiple myeloma normally begins with blood and/or urine tests. These are followed by a direct biopsy to find myeloma cells, or a bone marrow sample showing elevated levels (at least 10%, but usually more than 30%) of plasma cells. Adjunctive diagnostic testing can include whole-body x-ray, to assess for lytic lesions or severe osteoperosis.
