About Multiple Myeloma
Key Highlights
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Personalized treatment plans tailored to the patient's age, overall health, and genetic markers of the cancer.Access to advanced therapies including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies.Multidisciplinary care approach often involving oncologists, nephrologists, and bone specialists.Focus on both eradicating cancer cells and managing disease-related complications like bone lesions and kidney function.Potential for long-term disease control and periods of remission, improving quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, or unexplained fractures.
- Diagnosis of anemia (low red blood cell count) or other unexplained cytopenias.
- Elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).li>
- Presence of M-protein or abnormal free light chains in blood or urine tests.
- Kidney dysfunction or failure (renal insufficiency) with no clear cause.
- Recurrent bacterial infections due to impaired antibody production.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including complete blood count (CBC), serum protein electrophoresis, and 24-hour urine collection.
- Imaging studies such as a skeletal survey, PET-CT, or MRI to assess bone involvement.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to confirm diagnosis and for genetic testing.
- Evaluation of heart, lung, and kidney function to determine fitness for specific treatments.
- Discussion of treatment options, goals, and potential side effects with the hematologist.
- Dental check-up and necessary procedures to prevent infections before immunosuppressive therapy.
Risks & possible complications
- Side effects from medications: nausea, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and increased risk of infections.
- Bone marrow suppression leading to low blood counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).
- Damage to kidneys (renal impairment) from disease progression or certain drugs.
- Increased risk of blood clots (thromboembolism).
- For stem cell transplant: risks of graft-versus-host disease, severe infections, and organ toxicity.
- Development of secondary cancers or resistance to therapy over time.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Regular monitoring of blood counts, kidney function, and M-protein levels to assess treatment response.
- Management of treatment side effects with supportive medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors).
- Bisphosphonate therapy to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
- Vaccinations (like flu and pneumonia shots) to prevent infections, timed appropriately.
- Maintaining good hydration and a balanced diet to support overall health and kidney function.
- Long-term, indefinite follow-up with the hematologist for surveillance and maintenance therapy.
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Typical hospital stay: Varies widely (0 for outpatient therapy; 3-4 weeks for transplant)
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing; initial intensive phase 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering multiple myeloma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for multiple myeloma in India include Manipal Hospital Ranchi, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform multiple myeloma. MediFyr helps you compare hematologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for multiple myeloma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 200 Thousand – 5 Million | Varies widely (0 for outpatient therapy; 3-4 weeks for transplant) | ~ Ongoing; initial intensive phase 3-6 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 700 Thousand – 17.5 Million | Varies widely (0 for outpatient therapy; 3-4 weeks for transplant) | ~ Ongoing; initial intensive phase 3-6 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Multiple Myeloma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated hematology teams and experience managing patients undergoing multiple myeloma.
Rahul Johnson, a 58-year-old software engineer...
Rahul Johnson, a 58-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active. Over six months, he experienced persistent, unexplained back pain, overwhelming fatigue that coffee couldn't fix, and a series of stubborn infections. Bloodwork from his primary doctor revealed anemia and elevated protein levels, leading to a referral to Dr. Evans, a hematologist. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma. Dr. Evans recommended a treatment plan starting with a combination of targeted therapy drugs (a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug) to reduce the cancerous plasma cells, followed by consideration of a stem cell transplant. The initial weeks of treatment were grueling; Rahul battled nausea, neuropathy in his fingers, and the mental fog of 'chemo brain.' He had to take a leave from work. After four cycles, his M-protein levels dropped significantly, marking a very good partial response. The crushing fatigue began to lift, and his back pain became manageable. Emotionally, Rahul journeyed from the terror of a cancer diagnosis and fears for his family's future to a cautious, determined hope. The support group at the cancer center became his anchor, and seeing his response to treatment allowed him to envision living with myeloma as a chronic condition, not just a crisis.
Hematologists for Multiple Myeloma
Explore experienced hematologists who regularly perform multiple myeloma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 18 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Hematologist
- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
- 27 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Hematologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata