Studies are underway to determine whether BMTs can provide long-term control or a cure for the disease. Multiple myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that interferes with production of normal blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft spongy tissue in long bones that produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells are needed to fight infection. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Platelets enable blood to clot.
In patients with multiple myeloma, an abnormal plasma cell replicates itself uncontrollably and suppresses the growth of normal plasma cells. The defective plasma cells grow slowly in the bone marrow, and eventually interfere with the production of normal blood cells. A decrease in red blood cells causes anemia. Occasionally, a reduced platelet count in multiple myeloma patients results in excessive bleeding. Hypercalcemia contributes to kidney failure since increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream can cause fluid loss and dehydration.