What is Multiple Myeloma? List of drugs available for Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple Myeloma is a hematological malignancy that affects Plasma cells. Plasma cells are the type of WBC (White blood cells) that are found in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a soft tissue found in most of the bones. Bone marrow is the primary site of cell production. Hematopoietic stem cells can develop in various types of cells e.g. red blood cells that carry oxygen through your body, the platelets that help with blood clotting, and the white blood cells that fight infections. Multiple Myeloma is also known as Plasma Cell Myeloma.

Types of Multiple Myeloma (MM): There are 2 major types of multiple myeloma:

  • Indolent myeloma: This type of myeloma usually develops gradually without noticeable signs and symptoms. Indolent myeloma doesn’t cause bone tumors, only small increases in M protein and M plasma cells.

Solitary plasmacytoma: Solitary plasmacytoma causes a tumor to form, generally in the bone. It usually responds well to treatment, but it needs precise monitoring.

Where Does Multiple Myeloma Occur:

Myeloma commonly occurs in the marrow within the bones of the shoulders, spine, skull, rib cage, pelvis, and hips. Typically, the bones of hands/feet and lower parts of the arms/legs are not impressed, keeping the function of these delicate areas.


Myeloma can look as both a tumor or as an area of bone loss. In either case, this is known as a "lesion." Areas of bone loss due to myeloma are called "lytic lesions." The only times that myeloma is not "multiple" are in rare cases of an extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) or a solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB).



Patients go to Doctor for general symptoms e.g. 
  • Weakness or numbness, especially in the legs
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Confusion 
  • Problems with urination
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Repeated infections
  • Extreme thirst
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Upset stomach
  • Loss of appetite
There may not be any symptoms initially. Symptoms will be there only after the disease progression takes place. There may be bone pain, bleeding episodes, anemia, and frequent infection, etc. In some of the situations, treating physicians may diagnose multiple myeloma accidentally when a patient undergoes a blood test for some other condition.

The confirmatory test for diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma is done on the bases of 

  • Urine tests.  Analysis of Urine might show M Protein. M Protein is also referred to as Bence Jones Proteins
  • Blood tests. Analysis of blood can reveal
M proteins produced by myeloma cells. 
beta-2-microglobulin ( This gives clues about the aggressiveness of your Disease)
KFT, Calcium level and Uric acid levels can give fairly good picture
  • Bone Marrow Examination
  • Imaging tests. X-ray, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET).

Natural treatments for Multiple Myeloma

There is no specific medicine for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. There are some herbal (Ayurveda) products available for the treatment of cancer patients. These products help boosting the immune system and also improve the quality of life. One such product is Immunokris which contains 13 ingredients. These all are derived from plants in India.

The newest treatment for multiple myeloma

Treating physician decide on the treatment of Multiple Myeloma patients based on many factors. This includes type of Multiple myelomas, staging, age and general condition of the patient, etc.

Multiple Myeloma treatment Drugs:

  • Bortezomib
  • Carfilzomib
  • Lenalidomide
  • Thalidomide
  • Pomalidomide
  • Daratumumab
  • Ixazomib
  • Elotuzumab
These are multiple myeloma treatment drugs. These drugs are used in Multiple Myeloma alone or in combinations. Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, Thalidomide, and Pomalidomide are available as generic also. The price difference is significant between the innovator’s products and generic. There are certain products where the number of generic brands are very high e.g. Lenalidomide, there are at least 15 generic brands available in India.  Lenalid was the 1st generic brand introduced in India. Lenalid is available as a Capsule form. This is available in four different strengths i.e. Lenalid 5 mg., Lenalid 10 mg., Lenalid 15 mg. and Lenalid 25 mg.

Other brands of Lenalidomide 

  • Lenangio 10 Capsule, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
  • Lenomust 10 Capsule, Panacea Biotec Ltd
  • Laviat 10mg Capsule, Zydus Cadila
  • Lendomy 10 Capsule, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
  • Lindoshil 10mg Capsule, Shilpa Medicare Ltd
  • Lenmid 10 Capsule, Cipla Ltd
  • Celomide 10 Capsule, Celon Laboratories Ltd
  • Kabilen 10mg Capsule, Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
  • Lenzest 10mg Capsule, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
  • Lenid 10mg Capsule, United Biotech Pvt Ltd
  • Myelomide 10mg Capsule,  Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
  • Lenaget 10mg Capsule, GLS Pharma Ltd.
  • Giolen 10mg Capsule, Innova Formulations Pvt Ltd
  • Mydolen 10 Capsule, Miracalus Pharma Pvt Ltd
  • Lenofect 10mg Capsule, Aureate Healthcare Pvt Ltd
  • Mmlinoda 10mg Capsule,  Alkem Laboratories Ltd
  • Lenome 10 Capsule, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Nojetor 10mg Capsule, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Multiple myeloma diet

Patients of multiple myeloma have pains in the bone. Bones gets weakens with the progression of the disease. It is appropriate to consult Dietician for diet specific to Individual. Patents need to take more of green vegetables, diet containing fiber and protein-rich diet.
Multiple Myeloma patients have a weaker immune system. It is better to stay away from these:
  • Raw meat or fish
  • Runny eggs
  • Unpasteurized drinks
  • Sushi
  • Unwashed fruits and vegetables

Lifestyle changes in Multiple Myeloma patient:

Lifestyle changes can contribute significantly to the overall wellbeing of the patient. Healthy eating habits could be hard at first, but these provide benefits on the long term bases.

Read: All you need to know about Prostate Cancer

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