Expert warns: Do not underestimate your long-term bone pain

Multiple myeloma, a hematological cancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells, can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only bones but also vital organs like the kidneys. Hematology Specialist Dr. Sertaç Durusoy notes that the disease primarily impacts older individuals.

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Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer that develops as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells, one of the important cells of the immune system. The disease can affect not only the bones but also many organs, especially the kidneys.

The abnormal plasma cells multiply within the bone marrow, disrupting normal blood production and secreting proteins that can damage various organs. This underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible organ damage. Dr. Durusoy highlights common symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue due to anemia, impaired kidney function, elevated blood calcium levels, and frequent infections.

He emphasizes that unexplained back and leg pain, particularly in older adults, coupled with easily occurring bone fractures, anemia, and deteriorating kidney values, should raise suspicion for multiple myeloma. While these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a comprehensive evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing multiple myeloma requires more than a single blood test; it involves a thorough assessment including complete blood counts, kidney function tests, biochemical analyses, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light chain analysis, bone marrow examination, and imaging studies.

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Multiple myeloma is seen more frequently, especially in the advanced age group. The disease can cause damage in different organs due to the abnormal plasma cells multiplying in the bone marrow, disrupting normal blood production, and the abnormal proteins they secrete.

Treatment strategies are increasingly tailored to the specific biological characteristics of the disease. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses of bone marrow samples help determine a patient's risk group, enabling personalized treatment plans. Modern treatment options have evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional chemotherapy to include proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and autologous stem cell transplantation for eligible patients. For relapsed cases, innovative therapies like CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies are also available.

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Bone pain, weakness and fatigue due to anemia, impaired kidney function, high calcium in the blood, and recurrent infections can be seen most frequently in patients. Especially if unexplained back and leg pain starting in advanced age, easily developing bone fractures, anemia, and deterioration in kidney values are present together, multiple myeloma must be considered.

The primary goals of treatment are to suppress the disease as deeply as possible, prevent organ damage, enhance the patient's quality of life, and enable them to live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Durusoy also stressed the need for increased public awareness regarding this condition.

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The biological characteristics of the disease are gaining increasing importance in treatment selection.