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Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma

Disease Information

Genentech BioOncology is dedicated to advancing the science of myeloma therapy through comprehensive research programs and education. Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.1

Myeloma Demographic Statistics

  • In 2010, an estimated 20,180 people in the United States were diagnosed with myeloma and about 10,650 died of the disease2
  • The lifetime risk of multiple myeloma is 1 in 1591

Myeloma Epidemiology

  • Risk factors include age >65 years, male gender, African American ethnicity, exposure to radiation, family history (risk is 4-fold for persons with a first-degree relative who has the disease), obesity, and other plasma cell diseases1
  • Some studies suggest that workplace exposure to oil may increase risk1
  • The 5-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma from 1999 to 2005 is 37%, a significant improvement over the 1975 to 1977 rates (P<0.05)2

Myeloma Symptoms

Myeloma is difficult to detect early. Many patients have no symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.1 The most common symptoms include bone pain, especially in spine, hip, and skull; anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia; hypercalcemia, neurologic symptoms, decreased renal function; and frequent infection.1

References:
1.
American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma. www.cancer.org/Cancer/MultipleMyeloma/DetailedGuide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma. Accessed April 12, 2011.
2.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2010. www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/
documents/document/acspc-026238.pdf. Accessed April 14, 2011.