[kayan10]

Genetics and Multiple Myeloma

by kayan10 on Thu Dec 06, 2012 9:18 am

My father and his father both had this cancer. Recently my father's brother was also diagnosed.
My father has recently passed away and has another 4 brothers who were never checked or diagnosed for it. Do they need to be tested? How about me and my brothers?
We were told in the past this was not a genetically transmitted cancer.

[dianem]

Re: Genetics and Multiple Myeloma

by dianem on Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:33 pm

Hi Kayan10 - I get the impression genetics is involved with plasma cell and WBC cancers. Last winter I was diagnosed with MGUS. This fall my mom (81) was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. And, we learned my dad's brother (82) has been diagnosed with another plasma cancer called Waldenstrom. For years he had problems with kidney issues. When I attended my mom's oncologist visit (she is not being treated) her doctor asked if any family members have blood cancers and I told him about my MGUS - he said having these cancers puts family members in a higher risk group. I have two sons in their 20s and they need to keep their doctors informed on our genetics. Diane

[Keith Virgin]

Re: Genetics and Multiple Myeloma

by Keith Virgin on Fri Dec 07, 2012 6:56 am

I too have a family history of Myeloma. My father and brother both had IGG kappa Myeloma.
The statistics I have been able to glean are roughly a 25% increase when a relative with consanguinity has myeloma. I have encouraged anyone who has a family member to have an annual Serum protein Electrophersis SPEP.... most insurances if approached by a family physician who documents family history will pay for this test. Good Luck.

[Jmdluv2cook]

Re: Genetics and Multiple Myeloma

by Jmdluv2cook on Fri Dec 07, 2012 4:31 pm

My sister and mom both diagnosed with MGUS and my maternal aunt died of multiple myeloma fifteen years ago .

[genk]

Re: Genetics and Multiple Myeloma

by genk on Fri Dec 28, 2012 7:36 pm

My fathers family has many forms of cancer running in it. Many types are represented one of my cousins had prostrate cancer then got AML after that he had a SCT with his brothers stem cell and is still here after 4 years he is no 70 yrs old. I have multiple myeloma and had a SCT in May of 2012 I am not cancer free but my mgus protein is .8 this past month I am on 15mg of Revlimid 21 on 7 off plus 6 MG of DEX per week ( I do not tolerate DEX well) Blood cancer could be genetic I think?