How Do Multiple Myeloma Experts Define Cure?

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. It is synonymous with "myeloma" and "plasma cell myeloma." Plasma cells make antibodies against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.

In this week’s video, Dr. Brian G.M. Durie explains the two definitions for cure in multiple myeloma – functional cure and true cure.

BOTTOM LINE:
We are still unable to define cure, but the good news is many new myeloma therapies lead to longer survivals that one day may be considered cures.

Have a question? Submit it to AskDrDurie@myeloma.org

IMF Chairman and Co-Founder Brian G.M. Durie, MD welcomes your questions about the latest myeloma treatments, research, controversies and quality of life issues. If you have a question you think might be of interest to the myeloma community, please send to askdrdurie@myeloma.org!

For questions of a specific personal nature, please call the IMF InfoLine coordinators at 800.452.2873 or email them at infoline@myeloma.org.