If the spleen is swollen, the doctor may take out the spleen in an operation called a splenectomy. If too many M-proteins build up in the blood, the patient's blood may need to be filtered through a special machine. This is called plasmapheresis. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of plasma cell neoplasms.
If there are no symptoms, treatment may not be needed. A doctor will follow the patient closely so treatment can be started if symptoms develop. If there are symptoms, treatment will probably be chemotherapy. Clinical trials are testing new chemotherapy drugs and dose regimens. If other symptoms appear, patients may receive chemotherapy.