Yashoda Hospitals > Testimonials > Patients Speak > Dr. Rafiqul Islam

Patient Testimonial for Multiple Myeloma

Patient Name
Dr. Rafiqul Islam
Treatment for
Multiple Myeloma
Treated by
Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar
Speciality
Hematology & BMT
Procedure
Multiple Myeloma
Patient Location
Assam

Testimonial by Dr. Rafiqul Islam

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells responsible for producing antibodies. It is caused by age, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), radiation exposure, chemicals, and a family history of myeloma. The uncontrolled proliferation of myeloma cells in the bone marrow leads to symptoms such as bone pain, anemia, hypercalcemia, kidney damage, increased susceptibility to infections, and neurological symptoms. Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies. The International Staging System (ISS) and Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) classify the disease based on factors like beta-2 microglobulin, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, which help determine prognosis and guide treatment decisions.

Multiple myeloma treatment aims to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve survival. Treatment options vary based on age, health, and disease stage. For eligible patients, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) is standard. This involves collecting the patient’s own stem cells before administering high-dose chemotherapy to destroy myeloma cells, followed by reinfusion of the stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow. Ineligible patients receive induction therapy with drugs like proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Maintenance therapy prolongs remission, while radiation therapy treats localized bone pain or plasmacytomas. Novel therapies like monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy are emerging as promising treatments for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam from Assam successfully underwent Bone Marrow Transplant for Multiple Myeloma at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar, Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.