Overview
Multiple myeloma, also called plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease, is a cancer of plasma cells — a type of white blood cell that normally helps your body fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells grow out of control inside the bone marrow (the soft tissue inside your bones). As they multiply, they crowd out healthy blood cells and produce abnormal proteins that can damage the kidneys and other organs. The disease affects the body in several ways. Abnormal plasma cells weaken bones, making them prone to fractures and causing bone pain, especially in the spine, hips, and ribs. Because healthy blood cells are crowded out, people often feel very tired due to anemia (low red blood cells), get infections more easily, and may bleed or bruise more than usual. The abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells can clog and damage the kidneys over time. Treatment for multiple myeloma has improved greatly over the past two decades. While it is generally not considered curable, many people live for years — sometimes a decade or more — with good quality of life. Treatment typically includes targeted drugs, immunotherapy, steroids, and sometimes a stem cell transplant. Newer treatments like CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies are also now available for some patients. The goal of treatment is to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.
Key symptoms:
Bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or ribsFatigue and weakness due to low red blood cells (anemia)Frequent infections or infections that are hard to shakeEasy bruising or unusual bleedingKidney problems or reduced kidney functionHigh calcium levels in the blood, causing nausea, confusion, or excessive thirstNumbness or tingling in the hands or feetUnexplained weight lossBroken bones from minor injuries or without any injurySwelling in the legs or feetConfusion or mental fogginessIncreased thirst and frequent urination
Clinical phenotype terms (31)— hover any for plain English
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Late onset
Begins later in life, typically after age 50
FDA & Trial Timeline
10 eventsNatalie Callander — PHASE1, PHASE2
Washington University School of Medicine — PHASE1
Eden Biltibo — PHASE2
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — PHASE2
Massachusetts General Hospital — PHASE2
Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. — PHASE1
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals — PHASE3
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals — PHASE1, PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
24 availableXPOVIO
In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy
POMALYST�
in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated diseas…
in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy
Aphexda
indicated in combination with filgrastim (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Lenalidomide
Lenalidomide capsules in combination with dexamethasone are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM)
Darzalex Faspro
multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for induction and consolidation in newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant
XGEVA
Prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma
ELREXFIO
ELREXFIO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immu…
ELREXFIO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
Thalomid
THALOMID in combination with dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM)
Mozobil
indicated in combination with filgrastim to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma …
indicated in combination with filgrastim to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma (MM)
Lynozyfic
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an ant…
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody
Abecma
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclon…
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody
Talvey
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti…
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody
Tecvayli
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti…
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody
Carvykti
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoc…
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody
Kyprolis
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three lines of therapy in combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone.
BLENREP
for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least 4 prior therapies, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immuno…
for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least 4 prior therapies, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent (indication withdrawn)
Sarclisa
SARCLISA is indicated, in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomi…
SARCLISA is indicated, in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.
Dexamethasone
HEMADY is indicated in combination with other anti-myeloma products for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma
Empliciti
EMPLICITI is indicated in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomid…
EMPLICITI is indicated in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.
Darzalex
DARZALEX is indicated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior ther…
DARZALEX is indicated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; and as monotherapy, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.
Ninlaro
Use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy
Farydak
FARYDAK (panobinostat) in combination with bortezomib (BTZ) and dexamethasone (DEX) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior regimens, including bortezomi…
FARYDAK (panobinostat) in combination with bortezomib (BTZ) and dexamethasone (DEX) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior regimens, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent
Doxil
For use in combination with bortezomib for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have not previously received bortezomib and have at least one prior therapy.
Velcade
Treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received at least one prior therapy
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersPCR Oncology
📍 Arroyo Grande, California
CHI Saint Vincent Cancer Center Hot Springs
📍 Hot Springs, Arkansas
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center-Herrick Campus
📍 Berkeley, California
Sutter Cancer Centers Radiation Oncology Services-Auburn
📍 Auburn, California
Kaiser Permanente-Deer Valley Medical Center
📍 Antioch, California
Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital
📍 Auburn, California
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
📍 Burlingame, California
Financial Resources
17 resourcesMelphalan
Sagent
Multiple Myeloma
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Multiple myeloma.
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1 articlesCaregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my myeloma, and what do the chromosomal test results mean for my prognosis?,What treatment do you recommend for me, and why is it the best option for my situation?,Am I a candidate for a stem cell transplant, and if so, when would that happen?,What are the most important side effects I should watch for with my treatment?,How will we know if the treatment is working, and what happens if it stops working?,Are there any clinical trials I should consider?,What support services — such as social work, nutrition counseling, or mental health support — are available to me?
Common questions about Multiple myeloma
What is Multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma, also called plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease, is a cancer of plasma cells — a type of white blood cell that normally helps your body fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells grow out of control inside the bone marrow (the soft tissue inside your bones). As they multiply, they crowd out healthy blood cells and produce abnormal proteins that can damage the kidneys and other organs. The disease affects the body in several ways. Abnormal plasma cells weaken bones, making them prone to fractures and causing bone pain, especially in the
How is Multiple myeloma inherited?
Multiple myeloma follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Multiple myeloma typically begin?
Typical onset of Multiple myeloma is late onset. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Multiple myeloma?
Yes — 20 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Multiple myeloma on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Multiple myeloma?
25 specialists and care centers treating Multiple myeloma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Multiple myeloma?
20 patient support programs are currently tracked on UniteRare for Multiple myeloma. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.