Multiple myeloma
hideMultiple myeloma (from myelo-, bone marrow), also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease (after Otto Kahler) is a cancer of the white blood cells known as plasma cells, which produce antibodies.
These plasma cells, or B cells, are part of the immune system, formed in bone marrow, and numerous in lymphatics. Myeloma is incurable, but remissions may be induced with steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide and stem cell transplants.
There were 15,270 cases diagnosed and 11,070 deaths in the United States in 2004, and an incidence of 4/100,000 worldwide. Median survival is 50–55 months. Chromosome diagnosis can separate patients into more or less favorable prognoses.
Myeloma is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological malignancies.
For more information about Multiple myeloma, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
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News tagged with multiple myeloma
'Treason' by immune system cells aids growth of multiple myeloma
Oct 05, 2009 |
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Multiple myeloma cancer cells thwart many of the drugs used against them by causing nearby cells to turn traitor - to switch from defending the body against disease to shielding the myeloma cells from harm - Dana-Farber Cancer ...
Common blood disorder may not be linked to as many serious diseases
Aug 25, 2009 |
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A symptomless blood disorder, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, known as MGUS, is not linked to as many serious diseases as previously thought. This finding may save patients from undergoing unnecessary ...
Hospital finds hope in umbilical cords
Jun 04, 2009 |
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When Jennifer Garcia scheduled the birth of her daughter at South Miami Hospital, nurses asked her an unusual question: "After your baby is born, are you willing to donate the umbilical cord to save someone's life?"
Getting down to cancer basics
Mar 29, 2009 |
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Researchers have identified a new cancer gene - one that is common to many cancers and affects the most basic regulation of our genes. The new example - a gene on the X chromosome called UTX - is found in 10% of cases of ...
Protein helps immune cells to divide and conquer
Mar 08, 2009 |
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Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a key protein that is required for immune cells called B lymphocytes to divide and replicate themselves. The rapid generation of large ...
Study finds that green tea blocks benefits of cancer drug
Feb 03, 2009 |
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Contrary to popular assumptions about the health benefits of green tea, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have found that the widely used supplement renders a cancer drug used to treat multiple myeloma ...
