Merck Manuals: Answering Patients' Most Common Questions About Multiple Myeloma

RAHWAY, N.J., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in which abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow and occasionally in other parts of the body. It is the second most common blood-based cancer. It often comes with a range of symptoms and complications, but there are treatment options that can help slow the cancer's growth and relieve symptoms.

In a new editorial from MerckManuals.com, James R. Berenson, MD, Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research, answers some of the most common questions about multiple myeloma.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

For people with multiple myeloma, the majority of bone marrow elements are filled with cancerous plasma cells, says Berenson. These cells can invade nearby bones, often in the back, which can cause pain as well as fractures as the bones deteriorate.

At the same time, the large number of cancerous plasma cells can produce substances that reduce the production of certain types of blood cells. Too few red blood cells can cause anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, paleness, and potentially heart problems. Too few white blood cells can weaken the immune system, making people susceptible to both minor and more severe infections. Often, people will also have problems related to their kidneys because the proteins and antibodies can break down and cause issues. Kidney problems can cause nausea as well as issues with urination, says Berenson.

How does someone know if they have multiple myeloma?

Some people will see a doctor for back pain or bone pain in another part of the body, says Berenson. In some cases, multiple myeloma can be diagnosed before people experience any symptoms when laboratory tests, often done for another reason, show elevated protein levels, protein in the urine, or bone loss.

How is multiple myeloma treated?

If a person doesn't have any pain or other symptoms, treatment is not always necessary, says Berenson. For people requiring treatment, it typically consists of agents and other medicines to stop the cancer from growing, as well as other medicines to strengthen the bones, and in some cases radiation therapy to treat painful bones. Increasingly, doctors are prioritizing more specific treatments tailored to the individual's needs.

There is no cure, but with proper care and consistent medical attention, many people with multiple myeloma can live more than 10 years after diagnosis, says Berenson. For anyone living with multiple myeloma, it's important to monitor symptoms and keep in close contact with your doctor about changes to your health.

To read more of Berenson's insights on multiple myeloma, visit the editorial on MerckManuals.com.

About The Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals

First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, The Merck Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. As The Manual evolved, it continually expanded the reach and depth of its offerings to reflect the mission of providing the best medical information to a wide cross-section of users, including medical professionals and students, veterinarians and veterinary students, and consumers. In 2015, The Manuals kicked off Global Medical Knowledge 2020, a global initiative with the goal to make the best current medical information accessible by up to three billion professionals and patients around the world by 2020. The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in nearly 250 countries and in 15 languages. It's continuing its ambitious mission through outreach, education and creating new reliable medical resources. For access to thousands of medical topics with images, videos and a constantly expanding set of resources, visit MerckManuals.com or MSDManuals.com and connect with us on social media: For Consumers in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. For Professionals in the U.S. and its territories: X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE The Merck Manuals