multiple myeloma

A malignant proliferation of abnormal plasma cells that populate the marrow-containing bones of the body. The affected plasma cells produce myeloma protein, a monoclonal antibody that replaces normal antibodies in the blood, thereby increasing susceptibility to infection and renal failure. Symptoms include pain, anemia, weakness, infection, a tendency to hemorrhage, shortness of breath, kidney insufficiency, bone fractures, and neurological symptoms. It is considered a progressive and incurable disease; treatments with thalidomide, bone-marrow transplantation, and high-dose chemotherapy may extend life span, although success rates are variable.

multiple myeloma [′məl·tə·pəl ‚mī·ə′lō·mə]

(medicine)

A primary bone malignancy characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, anemia, hyperglobulinemia, and other clinical features. Also known as Kahler's disease.

Multiple Myeloma

a disease of the bone marrow of the group of plasma cell dyscrasias. It is caused by proliferation of genetically altered (mutated) plasma cells of the bone marrow which synthesize and release into the blood a large quantity of proteins with various physicochemical, biochemical, and immunochemical properties. Multiple myeloma is manifested by changes in the skeletal, hematopoietic, and uropoietic systems and by disturbances in protein and mineral metabolism. Spontaneous fractures and, sometimes, tumors originating in the bone marrow are observed. The bone resorption leads to hypercalcemia, and the excess calcium is deposited in the excretory organs (kidneys, lungs, gastric mucosa) in the form of calcifications. There is renal dysfunction (myeloma kidney) resulting mainly from filtration of abnormal proteins by the kidney. Frequent bacterial infections are characteristic of multiple myeloma because of the decrease in the number of normal immunoglobulins and the disruption of antibody formation.

Treatment consists of chemotherapy, irradiation, and hormonal therapy. Infection is treated by antibiotics and gamma globulin. Proper orthopedic measures are also of great value.

REFERENCES

Alekseev, G. A., and N. E. Andreeva. Mielomnaia bolezn’. Moscow, 1966.
Kassirskii, I. A., and G. A. Alekseev. Klinicheskaia gematologiia, 4th ed. Moscow, 1970.
Burnet, F. M. Kletochnaia immunologiia. Moscow, 1971. (Translated from English.)

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No references found			The Health Research Board has funded study on multiple myeloma and and Irish team will lead an international research collaboration on the cancer. Research action plan launched; HEALTH by The Mirror (London, England) The internationally known multiple myeloma program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will receive $19. UAMS gets $19m grant for multiple myeloma by Carter, Mark / Arkansas Business Memorial donations can be made to, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for Multiple Myeloma Research, 44 Binney St. Donald W. Bonci Sr by Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA)			multiple fault multiple firing multiple frame multiple fruit multiple glazing multiple gun multiple hereditary exostoses multiple hoistway multiple hydraulic pump multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle multiple infarct dementia multiple inheritance Multiple Instruction Multiple Data Multiple Instruction/Multiple Data Multiple Integral multiple isomorphous replacement technique multiple jacks multiple lamp holder multiple linear correlation multiple linear regression Multiple Machining Multiple Master multiple midstop multiple modulation multiple module access Multiple Myeloma multiple neuritis multiple neurofibroma multiple neurofibromatosis multiple of direct personnel expense multiple openings multiple personality multiple perspective software development multiple piece rate plan multiple platforms multiple point multiple precision arithmetic multiple pregnancy Multiple Pregnancy in Agricultural Animals Multiple Pregnancy in Humans multiple prime contract Multiple Processes multiple programming Multiple Proportions, Law of multiple reflection multiple reflection echoes multiple resonance Multiple Root multiple sampling multiple scattering Multiple Sclerosis			multiple mini-interview Multiple Minor Histocompatibility Loci Multiple Minute Digitate Hyperkeratosis Multiple Mirror Telescope Multiple Mirror Telescope Observatory Multiple Model Adaptive Control Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator Multiple Model Estimation Multiple Model Estimation Algorithm Multiple Model Nonlinear Filter Multiple Model Unified Probabilistic Data Association Filter multiple modulation multiple module access Multiple Module Data Computer Multiple Modulus Conversion Multiple modus ponens Multiple modus ponens multiple mononeuropathy multiple mononeuropathy Multiple MPEG-4 Multiple Mucosal Lesions of the Duodenum multiple mucosal neuroma syndrome Multiple Multi-Pole Multiple Multi-Pole Technique Multiple Multicast Registration Protocol Multiple Myeloma Multiple Myeloma Charitable Foundation Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Multiple Myeloma Set Domain Multiple Myeloma Support Group Multiple myloma Multiple myloma Multiple myloma multiple myositis multiple myositis multiple myositis Multiple negative Multiple Network Access Identifier multiple neuritis multiple neuritis multiple neuritis multiple neurofibroma multiple neurofibroma multiple neurofibromatosis multiple neuroma multiple neuroma multiple neuroma multiple neuropathy multiple neuropathy multiple neuropathy Multiple Nodal Basin Drainage Multiple Non-Transferable Vote Multiple Nonotonic Neural Network Multiple Object Locating System Multiple Object Tracking