Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, or simply "myeloma," is a type of blood cancer. It starts in the bone marrow (the spongy tissue found inside bones), where special cells called plasma cells are made. When plasma cells are healthy, they make antibodies to fight infection.

In myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal and turn into myeloma cells and grow uncontrollably. The myeloma cells make large amounts of an abnormal antibody called monoclonal protein (M-Protein), which can cause problems in different parts of the body.

image of a bone and the inside layers of a bone

Common Signs and Symptoms of Myeloma

Some of the most common signs and symptoms are:

  • Back pain
  • Bone pain (pain in ribs, pelvis, hips or other areas)
  • Frequent or ongoing infections
  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
image of 4 different people in an animated way showing different signs of physical discomfort

These signs and symptoms are often mistaken for other health problems or thought to be just part of getting older. 

Please visit Myeloma Canada for more information. 

How is Your Diagnosis Confirmed?

Myeloma cannot be diagnosed with one single test. Your diagnosis will be confirmed by looking at:

  • Blood and urine tests (including routine tests and special tests to check M-protein levels)
  • Bone marrow biopsy (to check your bone marrow for cancerous plasma cells, also called myeloma cells)
  • Medical imaging like X-rays, MRI, CT scans and PET scans (to look for bone damage)

Please visit myeloma.ca for more information on these tests. 

Based on these results, your cancer will be given a stage from I to III. Stage I means it’s in the earliest phase, while Stage III means it’s more advanced. Staging helps both you and your health-care team decide on the best treatment plan for you.

How Treatable is Myeloma?

There are many treatment options for this cancer to improve your symptoms. Right now, myeloma is not considered to be curable, however, thanks to ongoing advancements in treatment, outcomes have greatly improved. You and your health-care team will decide the best management option for you based on your goals of care.

Please see some treatment options in the Frequently Asked Questions section below. 

Your First Visit at the Cancer Centre

Your first appointment at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre is an important step in discussing your diagnosis, stage (which means how much the cancer has advanced), and possible treatment options. Together, you'll work with your health-care team to determine the best next steps for you. 

If you have not completed a medication review or had a bone marrow biopsy prior to your appointment, these may be done at this time. Your health-care team will provide information to help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan. Treatment options depend on factors like your general health (for example, kidney function), age, lifestyle, the disease's nature (for example staging of myeloma), and complications or side effects of treatments.

During your visit, your health-care team will give you a Myeloma Patient Journal. In this journal, you can keep important contact information. It also provides space for you to write down your questions and support information, as well as your thoughts and feelings as they come up.   

Visit Your First Appointment for more information.

For more information on the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, parking or to watch a video tour, visit the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. 

Important Contact Information

  • If you need to contact your blood cancer doctor (Hematologist), or another member of your health-care team, call Reception at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.
  • If you have a serious problem or need immediate help, go to the emergency room or call emergency services Tel: 911.  
  • After hours or on weekends/holidays, the blood cancer doctor (Hematologist) on call can be reached by calling the Royal University Hospital Switchboard Tel: 306-655-1000. Ask to have the hematologist on call paged.

Note: You must be a patient of the Cancer Agency. Please have your cancer identification number ready. It will begin with either and S or an R. Reception can direct you to the appropriate office. If you need to leave a message, someone from the Cancer Centre will respond as soon as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to common questions about myeloma below by clicking on the arrows. 

What is Myeloma?
What Does Myeloma Do to My Body?  
 

Myeloma can cause a range of problems in the body such as:
 

  • Bone Damage: Overcrowding of myeloma cells in the bone marrow causes bones to break down faster and prevents new bone cells from being made. This weakens the bones, making them more likely to break and causing bone pain. The pain often occurs in areas like the lower back, but it can also affect other bones, such as the ribs or hips (just some examples). When bones break down, calcium is released into the blood, raising calcium levels. This condition is called “hypercalcemia.”
  • Frequent Infections: Myeloma cells crowd the bone marrow, which lowers the number of cells that make good antibodies. Antibodies help fight infections, so with fewer of them, the immune system weakens and it’s easier to get infections.
  • Anemia: The large number of Myeloma cells crowd the bone marrow and lowers healthy red blood cells, which leads to a low red blood cell count (called “anemia”). This makes it harder for the body to carry oxygen, causing tiredness.
  • Kidney Problems: When there is too much M-protein or calcium in the blood, the kidneys can't remove their waste properly, which can cause kidney problems. 
     

For more information visit Myeloma Canada.
 

Who Gets Myeloma?  
 

Anyone can get myeloma. The chance of getting myeloma increases as people get older - most people are diagnosed in their mid-60s. You can’t inherit myeloma (pass it on from one family member to the next generation) however, if someone in their family has had myeloma, there might be an increased chance of getting myeloma. The genetic link is not yet known. 
 

The cause of myeloma is still not fully known, but more research suggests a possible connection between myeloma and a weakened immune system, DNA changes and environmental factors.
 

How Common is Myeloma in Canada? 
 

Myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer. In 2022, about 1 in 2,505 Canadians had myeloma. 
 

It means myeloma is a rare condition, but it's important to be aware of it, especially since the number of Canadians being diagnosed with it is increasing year after year. In 2024, for example, 4,100 new cases were diagnosed in Canada.
 

What is Smoldering (or Asymptomatic) Myeloma?  
 

Smoldering (or asymptomatic) myeloma means the cancer is present but not causing any symptoms or problems. So, your health-care team may choose not to start treatment right away. Instead, they will closely monitor your condition with regular check-ups and tests to see if the disease starts to get worse or causes any issues.
 

Why is Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Myeloma Important? 
 

The sooner myeloma is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance to manage health and well-being effectively.
 

Are Myeloma and Melanoma the Same? 
 

No. They are often confused, but they are unrelated. Myeloma is a blood cancer, while melanoma is a skin cancer.

Treatment
What Are My Treatment Options? 
 

Myeloma treatment is constantly changing based on research. Usually, multiple different kinds of treatments are combined into one treatment regimen for the best possible outcome. 
 

Some treatment options include:
 

  • Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to damage myeloma cells and stop them from growing.
  • Corticosteroids (Steroids): Drugs that reduce inflammation and help control myeloma's effects on the body.
  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells, like myeloma cells. It can also affect healthy cells, like hair cells. Chemotherapy is not a targeted treatment, so it affects more than just cancer cells.
  • Targeted Drug Therapy: Uses drugs to attack myeloma cells while causing less harm to healthy cells. These drugs can kill myeloma cells directly or boost the immune system to fight them.
  • CAR T-Cell Therapy: This treatment turns your body’s T cells (a type of immune cell) into "super soldiers" designed to fight myeloma. The T cells are collected, tweaked in the lab, and then put back into your body to better recognize and destroy cancer cells.
  • Stem Cell Transplantation: Stem cells are the body's "factory" for making new blood cells in the bone marrow. A stem cell transplantation replaces damaged stem cells with healthy ones, helping the body produce healthy blood cells again. Ask your health-care team if you qualify for this treatment.
  • New Treatments in Clinical Trials:  A clinical trial is a research study with patients to explore new treatments or better ways to use current ones. The goal is to find better ways to treat the disease and improve quality of life. Eligibility depends on factors like previous treatments, health and other criteria. Talk to your health-care team for more information and your eligibility. See here to find clinical trials in Canada.
  • Supportive Care: Helps manage symptoms, complications, and myeloma treatment side effects. It also improves overall well-being.
     

Visit myeloma.ca and watch this video for more information on myeloma treatments. Definitions of some of these treatments can be found here.
 

What is Myeloma Remission. What is Myeloma Relapse?  
 

Most people with myeloma will have times when the disease is under control (remission) and times when it comes back (relapse).
 

Remission: This means myeloma signs, symptoms and lab abnormalities go away, partly or completely. 
 

Relapse: This happens when myeloma comes back after a period of remission. Some myeloma cells may survive treatment and start growing again. When this happens, symptoms return and your health-care team may consider new treatment options and may also talk to you about clinical trials that could help.
 

Experiencing a relapse in myeloma can be very stressful. Your health-care team is here to support you every step of the way.
 

What Are Some Myeloma Treatment Side Effects?   
 

The goal of myeloma treatment is to get rid of myeloma cells, but it can also affect healthy cells in your body, causing side effects. These side effects can be different for each person and each type of treatment.
 

Some side effects may include:
 

  • Stomach upset, nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Infections
  • Feeling very tired (fatigue)
  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Numbness in your hands, arms, legs or feet
  • Allergic reactions
     

However, your health-care team will provide you with specific information on side effects for each treatment that is recommended.
 

Ask your health-care team: What side effects might happen, and which ones should I contact my doctor about? They can help you manage any problems and give you advice on what to do.
 

Please visit myeloma.ca for more information.

Support Groups 
Are There Support Options Available to Me?  
 

Yes, you are not alone in your journey with myeloma. Getting diagnosed with myeloma can feel very overwhelming. There is no right or wrong way to feel receiving this diagnosis. 
 

Ways to Get Support:
 

Myeloma Resources and Information
Myeloma Canada
 

Myeloma Canada 
 

Myeloma Canada Assistance Line
 

This Assistance Line will connect you with an information specialist who can help you find local resources or other information in your area.
 

Medical Terms
 

How to Find and Understand the Words Your Health-Care Team Uses
 

Myeloma International
 

Myeloma InfoLine - International Myeloma Foundation
 

For myeloma-specific questions and to find support, Tel: 1-800-452-2873 (Canada & US)
 

Canadian Cancer Society
 

Canadian Cancer Society Helpline
 

This helpline is not specific to myeloma; however, it's a valuable resource for cancer-related questions and support. 
 

  • Tel: 1-888-939-3333 or chat online. Interpreter services are available in more than 20 Indigenous languages.
Additional Resources