March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, an opportunity to shed light on a disease that accounts for approximately 10% of all blood cancers.
Early detection and awareness play a critical role in managing the disease and improving quality of life for patients.
“Multiple myeloma can cause many issues in the body but for different people, it causes different problems,” said Sascha Tuchman, MD, MHS, clinical medical director of malignant hematology and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center member.
Understanding multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma develops when abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy cells. This can lead to anemia, bone damage, kidney issues and a weakened immune system.
While the exact cause remains unclear, risk factors include age, family history and certain genetic conditions.
Phillip Lusane, a patient of Tuchman and resident of Hope Mills, NC, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2006. He knew the moment he was diagnosed that he was in good hands with Tuchman and UNC Health.
“He explains everything, he breaks it down, he’s really good, that whole team,” Lusane said.
Lusane served in the military and retired from the Hope Mills school system after almost 30 years. Even in retirement, he likes to stay busy so he was not going to let multiple myeloma get in the way.
“I don’t think about it that much, I do what I have to do. I don’t keep it on my mind, I don’t dwell on it,” Lusane added. “I do what I’m supposed to do.”
Advances in treatment
Treatment options for multiple myeloma have expanded in recent years, leading to better patient outcomes and longer survival rates.
Therapies such as immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T therapy provide more targeted approaches with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
“Here at UNC, we’ve contributed to myeloma research in a couple of different ways,” Tuchman said. “The two biggest ones are developing new medications and observational research.”
The power of awareness
As March unfolds, health care professionals and advocacy groups continue their efforts to bring multiple myeloma into the spotlight.
Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and ultimately, improved survival rates for those facing this challenging disease.