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March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month!

▲Multiple myeloma (MM), once a rare blood cancer, has become the second most common type of blood cancer globally due to the aging population, impacting countless patients and their families.

 

MarkerX is joining the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) in raising awareness of multiple myeloma this March!

 

This month, we aim to spread hope and support by:

➡️ Sharing knowledge about multiple myeloma

➡️ Highlighting the latest research and treatments

➡️ Sharing the stories of patients and families affected by multiple myeloma

We’re here to support you on your multiple myeloma journey!

【FAQs about Multiple Myeloma】

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that makes antibodies. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow, which can lead to bone damage, kidney problems, and other complications.

 

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

People with multiple myeloma may experience:

  • Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Recurrent infections
  • Anemia
  • Kidney problems
  • High blood calcium

How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?

Diagnosing multiple myeloma requires a variety of tests, including:

  • Blood tests
    (e.g., complete blood count, blood chemistry tests, and serum protein electrophoresis)
  • Bone marrow examination
    (e.g., bone marrow aspiration and biopsy)
  • Imaging tests
    (e.g., X-ray, MRI, and PET-CT)

 

How is multiple myeloma treated?

Treatment for multiple myeloma depends on several factors, such as your age, overall health, and the stage of your cancer. Common treatment options include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Stem cell transplantation
  • Supportive care

 

Can multiple myeloma be prevented?

Currently, there’s no sure way to prevent multiple myeloma. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances, may help reduce the risk of developing multiple myeloma.

 

What is the prognosis for multiple myeloma?

While complete remission is not typically achievable for multiple myeloma, many patients can maintain good health for extended periods with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The prognosis depends on various factors, such as age, overall health, disease stage, and treatment response. With advancements in medical technology, treatment outcomes and survival rates for multiple myeloma have significantly improved.

 

What is the relationship between the risk of relapse and survival rate in multiple myeloma?

The higher your risk of multiple myeloma coming back (relapsing), the lower your chances of survival. This is because myeloma that comes back is often harder to treat.

Things that affect relapse risk and survival:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment:
    Catching and treating myeloma early improves survival and lowers the chance of it coming back.
  • How well you respond to treatment:
    Responding well to initial treatment means a lower relapse risk and better survival.
  • Genetics:
    Some genetic factors can make relapse more likely and survival harder.
  • Age and health:
    Younger, healthier patients tend to have better outcomes.
  • Minimal Residual Disease (MRD):
    Tests like MM-MRD use advanced mass spectrometry technology to help doctors find any remaining myeloma cells after treatment. If these tests are negative (no myeloma detected), your chances of relapse are lower, and your chances of survival are higher. MM-MRD testing helps doctors understand your relapse risk and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your survival odds.

MM-MRD testing helps doctors understand your relapse risk and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your chances of survival.

 

What is MM-MRD testing?

MM-MRD testing is a technique used to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma. It can help doctors assess treatment response, predict the risk of relapse, and develop personalized treatment plans.

 

MarkerX: Your Partner in the Fight Against Multiple Myeloma

MarkerX’s MM-MRD test:

  • Accurately assess your risk of multiple myeloma relapse
  • Is a simple blood test with fast results
  • Helps your doctor personalize your treatment

Contact us to learn more.

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