Recognise the symptoms of your illness - Low blood counts are a frequent side effect of myeloma therapy. Shortness of breath, fatigue, pallor and dizziness may be symptoms of anaemia which require the treatment of a blood transfusion. Bruising, blood noses or bleeding gums may be symptoms of low platelet production which may require platelet transfusion. Infection and fever may be due to a low white blood cell count and antibiotic therapy may be necessary. High dose therapy and stem cell transplantation is increasingly being used to treat myeloma upfront and its efficacy is being assessed.
Trials assessing new drugs and drug combinations continue.
Furthermore, research into blood cell growth factors that may be responsible for causing or blocking myeloma growth is being evaluated. Researchers at the Hanson Centre for Cancer Research are actively pursuing safer and more effective means of high dose therapy. CanCare has been prepared for educational purposes only and is not designed to provide medical advice or professional services. The information provided by CanCare should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Your health care provider should be consulted if you suspect you might have a health problem.