Why Choose Us for Multiple Myeloma Treatment
The Huntsman Cancer Institute Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders Care Team provides personalized, state-of-the-art care with compassion and expertise. We are dedicated to offering our patients the highest quality of clinical trial options and are continually working in the lab to identify breakthrough immunotherapies through cutting-edge research.
Specialized Treatments
Our Plasma Cell Dyscrasias Program provides care for people with a wide range of hematologic diseases including multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined and clinical significance, AL amyloidosis, and Waldenstr枚m macroglobulinemia. We offer monitoring and treatment for these plasma cell disorders from commercially available modalities to Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials.
We work with each of our patients to tailor their treatment to both their personal needs and the requirements of their disease state and stage. Our treatments include the following:
- Immunotherapy
- CAR-T Cell (chimeric antigen receptor T cell)
- T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (bispecifics)
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Novel therapeutic agents
- Chemotherapy
- Stem cell transplant
- Radiation therapy
- Integrative wellness, including dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle interventions and education
Bispecific Collaborative Access and Referral Network
The Huntsman Cancer Institute Bispecific Collaborative Access and Referral Network (HCI biCARE) is designed to increase patient access to bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), especially for patients with multiple myeloma in rural areas of the Mountain West. We offer education and support to community health providers and affiliate networks to eliminate barriers to drug access and improve patient outcomes.
Our Expertise
Our Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Program currently includes five dedicated physicians, five advanced practice clinicians (APCs), a support staff of more than 40 others, as well as a dedicated plasma cell disorder scientific team working on drug development and immune profiling. As an organization, we see close to 8,000 patient visits each year and have doubled our clinical volumes and trial accruals in just the past two years.
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Multiple Myeloma Provider
Multiple Myeloma Research
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, research is critical to our mission of better understanding, treating, and preventing cancer. We have that focus on laboratory, clinical, and population-based studies. We also have that serve as collaborative hubs where doctors and scientists share findings and work together to accelerate progress.
Our scientists study the biology of cancer, explore the promise of immunotherapy, and find new ways to treat people using personalized medicine. We have made significant discoveries about genes linked to cancer risk, and our experts train the next generation of cancer researchers to make a difference in cancer care.
In addition, clinical trials test new drugs, drug combinations, procedures, and processes. These are key to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care. Patients on clinical trials may receive access to cutting-edge therapies not yet widely available, with studies being closely monitored so patient well-being is always the top priority. Our goal is to find new cancer treatments and improve the quality of life for people with cancer.
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Multiple Myeloma Specialist
To make an appointment with a multiple myeloma specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Multiple Myeloma Basics
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that originates in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies, which help the immune system fight infections. In multiple myeloma, these cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, leading to the production of defective antibodies (known as M proteins or monoclonal proteins) and crowding out normal blood cells.
This abnormal cell growth disrupts various bodily processes, causing symptoms such as bone pain, frequent infections, anemia, kidney issues, and high blood calcium levels. The condition is generally more common in older adults and has no known cure, though treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life.
Early diagnosis is essential, but multiple myeloma can be challenging to detect because its symptoms often resemble other conditions. Blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies are commonly used to confirm a diagnosis.
These are signs of multiple myeloma:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in the bones or bones that break easily
- Fever or frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Weakness or tiredness
Many other health problems can also cause these signs. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Learn more about from the National Cancer Institute.
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but certain risk factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease. Here鈥檚 a breakdown of some of the main risk factors and potential causes:
Age
Older adults are at a significantly higher risk, with most diagnoses occurring in individuals over the age of 60. Multiple myeloma is rare in young people.
Gender
Men are slightly more likely than women to develop multiple myeloma.
Race/Ethnicity
African Americans have a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma compared to people of other ethnic backgrounds.
Family History and Genetics
A family history of multiple myeloma or related plasma cell disorders (such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS) can increase one鈥檚 risk.
Pre-Existing Plasma Cell Disorders
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition where an abnormal protein is found in the blood. While MGUS itself is not cancer, it can develop into multiple myeloma over time.
Obesity and Lifestyle Factors
Obesity has been associated with a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma, possibly due to chronic inflammation or other effects on cellular health.
Weakened Immune System
Conditions that weaken the immune system or immune system suppression (such as certain autoimmune diseases) may increase susceptibility to multiple myeloma.
Doctors use these tests to diagnose multiple myeloma:
- Physical exam and history: A health care provider examines your body for signs of disease. Your personal health habits, past illnesses, and symptoms help guide the exam.
- Laboratory tests: By testing body tissues, blood, urine or other substances in the body, your health care team can check to see how the organs are functioning. They also look for abnormal amounts of blood cells.
- Bone marrow biopsy: The health care provider removes a small sample of bone marrow to look for abnormal cells under a microscope.
- Imaging tests: PET/CT, full body diffusion weighted MRI, and low dose full body CT, as well as specialized imaging of the heart that is used in certain circumstances. This collection of imaging tests helps the care team assess for bone and heart changes that may be related to your diagnosis.
These are three stages used for multiple myeloma as defined by the revised international staging system (R-ISS):
- Stage 1: Beta-2-microglobulin level is less than 3.5 mg/L and albumin is 3.5 g/dL or higher and the patient is without elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or certain changes in the chromosomes.
- Stage 2: Not fitting criteria for either stage 1 or stage 3.
- Stage 3: Beta-2-microglobulin level is 5.5 mg/L or higher, and the patient has either high levels of LDH or certain changes in the chromosomes.
Learn more about the from the National Cancer Institute.
