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A person living with myeloma needs support to reduce the physical and emotional impact of the diagnosis and to promote living well with this illness. The IMF encourages a parallel approach — treating myeloma and managing side effects. Early use of supportive care measures is just as…
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Overview of Staging and Classification Systems in Myeloma Key TakeawaysStaging measures the aggressiveness of your myeloma.Risk stratification predicts how your myeloma…
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Bone disease is a common symptom of multiple myeloma: 70%–80% of patients are found to have bone disease at diagnosis.For these patients, and for those who develop bone disease in the course of their myeloma, imaging studies are helpful to assess the amount and distribution of myeloma lesions…
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What Is Maintenance Therapy in Myeloma?
Maintenance therapy is treatment that may be given after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) to prolong response. Currently, Revlimid® (lenalidomide) is the only myeloma treatment approved by the FDA for maintenance after…
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The International Myeloma Foundation: Improving Lives, Accelerating the Cure Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma. Our Mission: Accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and…
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A quarterly publication of myeloma research from our medical editors
The IMF’s quarterly journal features scientific and clinical news and stories about education and awareness programs, patient meetings, and advocacy activities. Available online and by mail.
Do you want to read about the…
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Do you want to receive the latest myeloma news and research for free, directly in your email inbox? You can with the Myeloma Minute!
Subscribe below to receive weekly email newsletters with up-to-the 'minute' information about multiple myeloma.
The Myeloma Minute includes:
blogs…
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As a multiple myeloma patient, you may be treated with steroids. It is important to know the benefits, side effects, and possible withdrawal issues associated with steroid use. Always follow your healthcare team's advice in adhering to steroid treatment. Potential Side Effects of the…
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Multiple myeloma patients are living longer than ever before. Therefore, mobility, fall-risk assessment, and planned activity are important for these patients’ long-term care plans. Given the risks of injury and/or skeletal issues, multiple myeloma patients should have regular assessments…
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What Are the Symptoms of Neuropathy? Neuropathy, by definition, occurs when nerves are damaged or inflamed, or when nerve tissue has degenerated, leading to changes in nerve function. Neuropathy symptoms can occur symmetrically (on both sides of the body, e.g., both hands and both feet).…
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Multiple myeloma pain is an unfortunate and frequent component of having the disease. Prevention and management of pain are essential to patients' quality of life. Be proactive about reporting your discomfort; it can interfere with your sleep, mood, and general activity level.
Sources of…
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The International Myeloma Foundation, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity, began operations in 1990. Research to find a cure is paramount to our mission, while patient support, education, and advocacy are our core values. Thanks to YOU—our generous donors, advocates, and…
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Our International Partners and AffiliatesKorea Blood Disease & Cancer Association The Korea Blood Disease & Cancer Association (KBDCA) is a “non-profit organization that helps patients to cope with the disease through…
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The Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) has developed their own clinical trial network to facilitate early access to drugs in Asian countries and to conduct clinical trials/studies that answer questions relevant to Asians.
How the IMF's Asian Myeloma Network Conducts Its Studies
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Key Terms Associated with Clinical Trial PhasesThe following terms are often used in discussions of a clinical trial and its phases.Accrual – The process of enrolling patients in…
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The International Myeloma Working Group® (IMWG) emerged from the IMF’s Scientific Advisory Board, which was established in 1995. It became clear that there was a need to conduct collaborative research and produce consensus guidelines for the myeloma community. The first consensus guideline was…
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Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells. This medical condition causes an individual's bones to progressively break down. The cancerous plasma cells significantly impact bone balance, leading to bone disease in multiple myeloma (MM), also known as myeloma bone disease (MBD).…
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The Global Myeloma Action Network® (GMAN®) developed a patient bill of rights (the International Myeloma Patient Charter) to ensure that no matter where in the world a person lives, the following principles apply to people affected by multiple myeloma and those involved in their lives and…
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What Is the International Myeloma Foundation's (IMF) Global Myeloma Action Network, or GMAN?The Global Myeloma Action Network® (GMAN®) is a global coalition of myeloma patient organizations representing over 40 countries.GMAN works in collaboration with patients, caregivers,…
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What Is an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (or a Bone Marrow Transplant)?The medical term for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is “high-dose therapy (HDT) with stem cell rescue.” In myeloma, the use of HDT was introduced in the 1990s. In the 2000s, the FDA approved novel treatment options for…
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This important group of blood and urine tests is used to assess the amount and activity of myeloma. These tests measure the monoclonal protein that myeloma cells secrete into the blood and/or urine.Serum Quantitative Immunoglobulins (QIg)REFERENCE RANGE for patients ≥ 18 years old…
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Kidney function tests are part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)—a key test in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma and a part of a routine physical exam. The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and…
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Cancer patients may suffer from cancer-related or treatment-related quality of life issues that interfere with their usual functioning. Learn about the causes of fatigue, distress, and sexual dysfunction and how to cope with these problems.Fatigue in Patients with Multiple MyelomaIn healthy people…
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Myeloma cells grow in the bone marrow, and the only way to assess their properties is to remove a sample of these cells and to analyze them. Some of these tests can be done by a pathologist looking through a microscope and others require sophisticated computers with customized software programs.…
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What Is Kidney Failure or Renal Impairment in Multiple Myeloma?The kidneys are crucial for filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and producing hormones. When the kidneys are unable to perform these functions at full capacity, it's called renal impairment or kidney failure. In…
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Cardiovascular problems and lung complications are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions that may affect multiple myeloma patients. Many multiple myeloma patients, as is true of the general U.S. population, already have conditions such as high blood pressure, high…
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Myelosuppression, also called bone marrow suppression, is a common challenge for people living with multiple myeloma. It occurs when your bone marrow is affected, slowing or reducing the production of new blood cells — white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Both myeloma and its…
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Anemia is a common challenge for people with multiple myeloma, and it often develops because myeloma cells affect the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells. It is usually the first symptom of the disease, with at least 60% to 70% of people living with myeloma having anemia at the…
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Novel therapies used to treat multiple myeloma may be associated with gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation). Do not stop or adjust medications without discussing it with your healthcare provider. He or she may change your dose or schedule of medication…
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A multiple myeloma relapse occurs when the cancer returns after a period of remission or becomes resistant to treatment. While relapse can be disheartening, remember that many effective treatment options are available, including innovative therapies that can extend remission and…
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Due to new therapeutic options, patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma are living longer than they did just one decade ago. Therefore, patients' general health must also be maintained throughout the course of their disease. Proper maintenance of pre-existing or co-morbid…
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Welcome to Veterans Against Myeloma (VAM)A Growing Team of Veterans Battling Multiple Myeloma (MM).Over the years, the IMF has been a resource for veterans seeking information about myeloma. Talking with vets has made us aware that many are in need of resources to better understand their diagnosis…
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Tribute or memorial gifts are a touching way to honor a loved one living with myeloma or remember those who have passed while continuing to make a difference in the lives of so many.Tribute/Memorial GiftsA tribute gift offers a meaningful way to celebrate a special person, while contributing…
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Cancer Pain
Learn more about cancer-related pain and how it can be managed and treated at the American Cancer Society.…
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When multiple myeloma is diagnosed, the stage of the disease varies from patient to patient. The most commonly used clinical staging system, the Durie-Salmon Staging System, demonstrates the correlation between the amount of myeloma and the damage it has caused, such as bone…
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Call us. We’re here for you.
The InfoLine is the IMF's multiple myeloma cancer information line. The IMF’s InfoLine is here for you for your myeloma-related questions and concerns. …
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Receiving a multiple myeloma diagnosis can feel overwhelming. The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) recommends consulting a myeloma specialist to determine the best course of action. The next steps may include baseline testing, staging…
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Government Health Insurance and BenefitsIf you're living with multiple myeloma, supporting a loved one or providing care, these government programs offer valuable assistance with health insurance, prescription coverage and financial benefit advice. Explore these links for information about…
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Black Swan Research…
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Doctors order a range of tests to diagnose and stage myeloma accurately. They also use testing to determine the type of myeloma a patient has and to monitor how the patient responds to treatment. Find out more about the various tests and how…
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Facing a multiple myeloma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but clinical trials offer hope for new and better treatments. If you're exploring your treatment options, this page will help you understand what clinical trials are, how they work, and how to find one that may be right for you.
What Is a…
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You can live well with multiple myeloma! Thanks to advances in treatment, people with multiple myeloma are living longer and fuller lives. While myeloma is incurable, there are many things you can do…
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Join an Event to Help Improve Lives, Find the CureThis calendar includes upcoming multiple-myeloma-related events attended by members of or hosted by the International Myeloma Foundation.Educational events such as IMF Myeloma Community…
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CYTOXAN® (cyclophosphamide) was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959, and is still widely used to treat multiple myeloma, as well as many other types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. It belongs to the class of drugs known as alkylating agents, which inhibit DNA…
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This multiple myeloma FAQ page answers some of the most commonly asked questions about this illness. Learn more about multiple myeloma, what causes it, and what you can do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with the disease.
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The IMF has teamed up with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to facilitate our vehicle donation program. Please click below for more information on how you can donate your car, truck, motorcycle, RV, boat, heavy equipment or farm machinery to benefit myeloma programs and research.…
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Why Assistance for Cancer Patients MattersTravel and housing support make care more accessible and manageable for people living with multiple myeloma and other cancers. These services help address both practical and emotional challenges during treatment: …
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1UpOnCancerThis gaming community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to direct financial assistance for adults in the United States undergoing cancer treatment.…
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Donor-advised funds allow you to donate to the IMF with gifts of stock, securities, or IRA distributions. These options are the best ways to receive additional tax benefits through your philanthropic giving. Should you or your financial advisor have additional questions, please contact the…