Cancer is referred to as an uncontrolled multiplication of cells and in multiple myeloma, the plasma cells undergo this division. They multiply incessantly and produce certain kind of protein and abnormal antibodies, which get accumulated in the bone marrow. As a result, the body loses its ability to fight infections or diseases and adversely falls prey to cancer due to a loss of immunity.

Causes of multiple myeloma
The prominent cause of multiple myeloma is still unknown. But, a number of risks factors are there that may increase the chances of developing cancer of the plasma. For instance, men are more susceptible to multiple myeloma than women.

Moreover, with increasing age, you increase the risk of getting multiple myeloma. Overweight or obese people are also likely to develop this disease. People exposed to radiation or working in the petroleum industry are also under an immense risk of developing this fatal disease. Ancestral history is also a factor. Additionally, individuals already suffering from a disease of the plasma may develop the condition later.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma
It has been observed that initially, there are no remarkable symptoms; however, with the passage of time, certain symptoms are visible like:

• Pain in the bones, specifically in the chest, and sometimes in the spine too.

Treatment for multiple myeloma
Like any other type of cancer, this cancer of the plasma cells also requires treatment. A note to be kept in mind is that though one may undergo treatment, there is no permanent cure for multiple myeloma. The treatments will only relieve the pain and control the growth of cancerous cells further. The common treatments are as follows:

• Chemotherapy:  Certain fast-killing drugs such as Etoposide (VP-16), Melphalan (Alkeran, Evomela), etc., are used in this case, often in a combined form or used individually as and when required. These drugs can either be injected into the veins or taken orally. Usually, these are given before a bone marrow transplant.
• Targeted drug therapy:  In this type of treatment, drugs such as Carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and Bortezomib (Velcade) are used to kill the targeted cancer cells, barring the healthy ones. Similar to chemotherapy, these can be taken either by methods of injection or orally. There are some other drugs too that directly kill the plasma cells.
• Corticosteroids:  Some steroids such as Dexamethasone and Prednisone actively fight the cancer-causing cells and restore the immune system. They control the inflammation of the body. These can be taken orally or administered through injections.
• Radiation therapy:  In this, high power X-rays are used to target the cancer cells and kill them. This will stop their division and thus cancer will not spread.
• Bone marrow transplant:  As the name suggests, your bone marrow is changed to implant new blood-forming stem cells that build into a new and healthy bone marrow later. This helps to keep the multiplication of cancerous cells at bay.