Myeloma Terminology

A type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. These abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably and can crowd out healthy blood cells.

White blood cells that produce antibodies to help fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these cells become cancerous.

The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. This is where myeloma cells grow and multiply.

An abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells. It can be detected in blood or urine tests and is used to monitor the disease.

Parts of antibodies that can be produced in excess by myeloma cells. Free light chains in blood or urine can indicate disease activity.

High levels of calcium in the blood, often caused by bone destruction from myeloma. Can cause fatigue, confusion, and kidney problems.

Low red blood cell count, common in myeloma patients. Causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Kidney problems that can occur in myeloma patients due to high protein levels, calcium, or other factors.

Areas of bone damage or 'holes' caused by myeloma cells destroying bone tissue. Can cause pain and fractures.

The main complications of myeloma: Calcium elevation, Renal impairment, Anemia, and Bone lesions.

A procedure to remove a small sample of bone marrow tissue to examine for myeloma cells and determine the percentage present.

A blood test that separates proteins to detect abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells.

A urine test to detect abnormal proteins, particularly light chains, that may indicate myeloma.

A more sensitive test than protein electrophoresis to identify and characterize abnormal proteins.

A blood test that measures the levels of free kappa and lambda light chains to monitor disease activity.

A protein found on cell surfaces. High levels in blood can indicate more advanced myeloma and help with staging.

An enzyme that can be elevated when cells are damaged or destroyed, often raised in active myeloma.

Testing to examine chromosomes in myeloma cells to identify genetic abnormalities that affect prognosis and treatment.

A genetic test that looks for specific chromosome changes in myeloma cells to help guide treatment decisions.

The first treatment given to reduce the number of myeloma cells and achieve remission.

Treatment given after induction to further reduce myeloma cells, often includes stem cell transplant.

Long-term treatment given after initial therapy to keep myeloma in remission for as long as possible.

A procedure using the patient's own stem cells to restore bone marrow after high-dose chemotherapy.

A procedure using stem cells from a donor to replace the patient's bone marrow. Rarely used for myeloma.

The process of moving stem cells from bone marrow into the bloodstream for collection before transplant.

High-dose chemotherapy given before stem cell transplant to destroy myeloma cells and make room for new stem cells.

When transplanted stem cells begin to grow and produce new blood cells in the bone marrow.

An immunomodulatory drug that enhances the immune system's ability to fight myeloma cells and has anti-angiogenic properties.

A proteasome inhibitor that blocks proteins needed for myeloma cell survival, causing cell death.

A newer proteasome inhibitor, often used when bortezomib is no longer effective.

A corticosteroid that has anti-myeloma effects and is often combined with other treatments.

A monoclonal antibody that targets CD38 protein on myeloma cells, helping the immune system attack them.

A monoclonal antibody that targets SLAMF7 protein to enhance immune system recognition of myeloma cells.

An immunomodulatory drug similar to lenalidomide, often used in relapsed/refractory myeloma.

An oral proteasome inhibitor that can be taken at home, unlike IV proteasome inhibitors.

A histone deacetylase inhibitor used in combination with other drugs for relapsed myeloma.

A chemotherapy drug often used in high doses before stem cell transplant.

A chemotherapy drug often used in combination regimens for myeloma treatment.

A selective inhibitor of nuclear export that forces myeloma cells to keep tumor suppressor proteins in the nucleus.

An antibody-drug conjugate that delivers chemotherapy directly to myeloma cells through the BCMA target.

A treatment that modifies the patient's T-cells to better recognize and attack myeloma cells.

Drugs like zoledronic acid or pamidronate used to strengthen bones and reduce bone complications.