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The new chairwoman of Slovak myeloma society is Mgr. Zuzana Gajdošíková.
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Multiple myeloma day 2016
Multiple myeloma is one of oncogenous diseases, which are incurable, but can well be treated – the basis of success is, however, an early diagnosis. The Slovak myeloma society sets the 23 November as the Multiple myeloma day, which should contribute to increased awareness about this disease and improve the chances of patients for an early diagnosis.
Success is based on a correct diagnosis
Multiple myeloma is a type of oncogenous/tumoral disease originating from plasma cells, which are commonly present in bone marrow. Cancerous plasma cells (myeloma cells) accumulate in the bone marrow and produce an excess of one type of antibody (paraprotein). As a consequence, the patient has a number of difficulties. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma is complicated especially because in the early stages the symptoms are often overlooked. "Pain in the spine or anemia are symptoms of many diseases. It still often happens that a patient with multiple myeloma is under care by an orthopedist or neurologist, since he/she has an incorrect diagnosis," explains haemato-oncologist MUDr. Zdenka Štefániková, chair of the board of SMyS.
Fund-raising concert and 3D projection
On the occasion of the first anniversary SMyS is organizing a Fund-raising concert for patients under the auspices of the Minister of Health Tomáš Drucker, on 20 November in the Hall of Mirrors of the Primate's Palace in Bratislava. As part of the concert, there will also be a special evening video projection for the public, which will get the Primate's palace moving into the 3D story of this disease. "With these activities we want to point out that this often overlooked disease deserves much more attention – the more patients we can catch before the myeloma "attacks" other organs, the better are the results of treatment and the longer and higher-quality life awaits the patients," states the doctor.
Besides the cancer, the pain needs to be treated as well
Since one of the main symptoms of the disease is pain in the spine, the correct diagnosis often rests on the shoulders of an orthopedist. "It is very important for the specialist doctor to know when to increase attention also with seamingly common symptoms. With a multiple myeloma, the situation can often be complicated by the advanced age of patients, which can mislead even experienced orthopedists", states doctor Andrej Svec, head of the 1. Orthopedic-traumatological clinic LF UK, SZU and UNB. He adds that in treatment the specialists should focus also on the treatment of symptoms and the pain. "The pain in the spine, which patients with multiple myeloma experience, is very significant, since the myeloma can cause the disintegration of a vertebra, for example. Our tasks is therefore not only to carefully watch and treat the oncogenous disease, but also other symptoms of this disease," says the specialist.
Unclear symptoms can be confirmed by CRAB
The basis of treatment is a correct diagnosis; however, good communication with the patient and the psychological approach to him/her are also important. "Besides treatment, our role is also to give hope to the patient; although multiple myeloma is considered incurable, new medications keep coming, which can significantly prolong the patient's life and improve its quality, " explains the doctor. She adds that in a small number of patients one can even speak, under specific conditions, of the possibility of a cure.
Aside from the already mentioned pain in the spine or anemia, frequent symptoms are also signs of dysfunctions of kidneys, lack of appetite, fatigue, or failures of immunity. The first step in the diagnosis is a detailed laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples. In case the patient complains about bone pain, he/she should be sent for an X-ray or magnetic resonance. "The most reliable diagnostic tool is currently an examination with the acronym CRAB. It examines the level of calcium, renal/kidney failure, anemia and bone lesions," explains Stefanikova.
Personalized treatment
For younger patients (under the age of 65) is the first treatment method with multiple myeloma the transplant of bone marrow, in which the patient is his/her own donor. "Patients who cannot have the transplant are most commonly treated by a basis of cytostatic agents, immunomodulatory agents, corticoids or biological treatment. Besides treatment of the myeloma itself, it is important to administer bisphosphonates, appropriately chosen analgetic treament, correct anemia by transfusions or erythropoietins, and give antibiotics in case of infections" explains Stefanikova. Treatment of oncogenous diseases is one of the most advanced, and every year many scientists and research is focused on looking for new ways of treating cancer. "Currently the best basis for the treatment of the disease is an early diagnosis and we believe that thanks to the Multiple myeloma day we will manage to catch more occurences of the disease in an early stage with a better outlook for treatment," she adds.