6 Types of Therapy that Can Be Done to Treat Multiple Myeloma Sufferers
Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer where there is uncontrolled production of malignant plasma cells in the body. In healthy people, plasma cells are white blood cells that normally produce antibodies to fight infections.
Myeloma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, preventing the bone marrow from producing healthy blood cells – oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and platelets needed for blood clotting. In addition, myeloma cells produce non-functional antibodies (the so-called 'M' protein) at an increased rate, which, together with the myeloma cells, can accumulate in several places in the body (hence the term "myeloma"). multiple”). This accumulation all causes damage to important organs and tissues including the kidneys (causing kidney failure) and bones (causing easy fractures and high levels of calcium in the body).
However, multiple myeloma is considered incurable, there are several types of therapy that can be done to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of the condition getting worse. The following are the types of therapy that can be done:
1. Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cell transplantation is the process of providing healthier bone marrow. Stem cells will rebuild the patient's bone marrow so that it can function properly.
2. Targeted Therapy
This therapy targets destroying cancer cells directly in the body that are exposed to it using drugs. Unlike chemotherapy, this therapy does not affect the healthy cells around the cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
The use of high-energy rays such as X-rays and protons is used to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. This radiation therapy is a therapy that kills cancer cells more quickly and is carried out on parts of the body where cancer cells are present.
4. Corticosteroids
Administration of drugs such as prednisone and dexamethasone helps the body stimulate the body's immune system to reduce inflammation. This type of drug is considered effective in fighting multiple myeloma cancer cells.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one treatment that can be done to destroy cancer cells. How it works is by stopping and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells which develop and divide rapidly. By undergoing chemotherapy, in fact the condition of cancer cells is easier to control and cure.
6. Biological Therapy
Usually, doctors give medicines to strengthen the sufferer's immune system to fight viruses or cancer cells in the body.
