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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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What is Myeloma?
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Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Read more about this complex disease.
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What Causes Myeloma?
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No single factor has been consistantly associated with multiple myeloma.
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What is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)?
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Finding a MGUS means there is an abnormal protein detected in a blood test. Although it doesn't represent cancer, because those with a MGUS are at risk of developing MM or related disorders, lifelong monitoring is required.
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What is Myeloma Bone Disease?
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An excellent overview of myeloma bone disease and its treatment by Gregory R. Mundy, MD and Babatunde O. Oyajobi, MB, ChB, PhD
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What is an autologous stem cell transplant and am I a candidate for one?
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Transplantation allows doctorsto administer higher doses ofchemotherapy than would otherwise be possible. Medical experts have not arrived at a fixed set of guidelines for selecting patients who will benefit the most from transplant.
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What is the Treatment for Myeloma?
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Deciding about treatment is the most important initial decision.
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What is a mini-allo transplant?
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William Bensinger, MD explains this new approach, which is currently the subject of clinical trials.
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What is nonsecretory myeloma?
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Nonsecretory myeloma is characterized by the absence of an M protein in both the serum and urine.
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How common is renal failure in myeloma patients?
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Renal failure is present in approximately 20% of patients with multiple myeloma. Renal function impairment is usually caused by "myeloma kidney" and is reversible in 50% of patients, particularly when it is moderate and related to hypercalcemia.
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What does it mean if it's been detected that I have chromosome 13 deletion?
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Chromosome 13 incorporates a gene called the retroblastoma gene (Rb), which produces Rb protein capable of inhibiting myeloma cell growth. When missing or abnormal, themyeloma grows at an increased rate and can be resistant to treatment.
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Understanding Terminology
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Learning you have cancer may make you feel as though you are lost in a foreign land where you don't speak the language. This is a glossary of basic terms.
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You have questions. We have answers. Here are some of the questions we hear most often. If yours is not among them, call the IMF toll free hotline (800) 452-CURE (800-452-2873) in the US and Canada; elsewhere please call (818) 487-7455. 
