Supportive Treatments

Cancer patients might also have supportive treatment in which the patient is treated for the symptoms of the disease.

The doctor may give the patient a back or neck brace to help relieve bone pain. The patient may be taught how to do exercises, which can help stop the bones from giving off calcium. Biophosphonates are medications which can slow the bone damage caused by multiple myeloma. These drugs decrease the risk of bone complications like fractures and to lower abnormally high blood calcium levels. Data also suggest that bisphosphonates can also reduce the bone pain associated with the disease.

Patients may also have surgery if their bones are weak or break. In this surgery, the surgeon tries to repair and support the bones. Patients also must be careful to stay away from people with colds and sicknesses. If patients have an infection, the doctor will probably give them antibiotics, or drugs that fight infection.

If patients develop anemia, they may be given red blood cell transfusions through their vein or medication to boost their red blood cells.

References:

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2005 Sep;11(3):83-100 Overview of Drug Therapy for Multiple Myeloma and Acta Haematol.

Acta Haematol.2005;114 Suppl 1:8-13. Future directions in multiple myeloma treatment.

American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov

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