- Second most common blood cancer
- Despite increased availability of novel agents, the disease is characterized by a pattern of recurrent relapses and remains incurable for the majority of patients
- Approximately 80,000 deaths per year, worldwide
- 114,000 new cases diagnosed globally per year
- The plasma cells are a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. With this condition, a group of plasma cells becomes cancerous and multiplies
- The disease can damage the bones, immune system, kidneys, and red blood cell count
- Treatments include medications, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation, or a stem-cell transplant
- People may experience pain in the back or bones, anemia, fatigue, constipation, hypercalcemia, kidney damage, or weight loss
Cancerous plasma cells weaken bones leading to fracture