Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of blood and bones. It leads to severe body aches and pains, bone fractures, kidney damage and anaemia. Blood calcium is often raised. There may be abnormal proteins in blood and urine. Bone marrow shows excess of plasma cells. Previously, Myeloma used to be incurable but modern chemotherapy is bringing Myeloma patients into lasting remission. Bortezomib, Thalidomide and Lenalidomide are three chemotherapeutic drugs which has brought about this miracle.In younger patienst of Myeloma who are less than sixty years of age, Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant is recommended for prolonged relapse-free survival.

Myelofibrosis:

This is a type of low grade blood cancer also grouped as Myeloproliferative disorder. The patient presents with low blood counts and a massively enlarged spleen. Bone marrow examination reveals increased reticulin fibrosis in the marrow.JAK 2 mutation may be positive. Treatment involves blood products transfusions, use of Immunomodulators like Thalidomide and Lenalidomide and Steroids. JAK 2 inhibitors are undergoing Clinical Trials.

Polycythaemia Vera

This is also a type of low grade blood cancer where the Hb levels go up alarmingly. Raised Haemoglobin level in blood is termed Polycythaemia. The spleen can also get enlarged. Patient can suffer from symptoms of hyperviscosity due to sluggish blood circulation like head-aches, dizziness etc. Treatment  is blood letting by Venesection, Aspirin and Hydroxyurea. Radio-active Phosphorus has also been used in some elderly patients.

Essential Thrombocythaemia

A low grade blood cancer where the number of platelets go up above normal.Hydroxyurea, Aspirin and Clopidogrel are used. Some patients may require Plateletpheresis.