The findings of a recent study suggest that the progression of both multiple myeloma and myeloma-related bone disease may be determined by measuring the levels of key proteins commonly found in bones. The study was published in the European Journal of Haematology.

Myeloma cells not only stimulate the formation of cells that break down bone, but also inhibit cells responsible for bone formation.  As a result, multiple myeloma patients have a high rate of bone disease characterized by bone pain and fractures.

Patients are typically treated with bisphosphonates to protect against …

Doctors have several different techniques at their disposal for diagnosing multiple myeloma and detecting bone disease. A new study, “Role of radiography, MRI and FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing, staging and therapeutical evaluation of patients with multiple myeloma,” suggests newer imaging techniques are better for diagnosis than traditional X-rays. The study, published September 18 in Annals of Hematology, examined several different imaging methods.

Reinier Raymakers, a coauthor of the study, noted better diagnosis techniques could lead to earlier treatment.

“You can prevent fractures, pain, spinal cord lesions,” he said.

The authors observed that while …

A recent study titled “Balloon kyphoplasty in malignant spinal fractures,” found that balloon kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for multiple myeloma patients and other cancer patients with spinal fractures. The study was published in BMC Palliative Care on September 9.

Balloon kyphoplasty involves inserting an inflatable balloon into the fractured vertebra of the spinal column. The balloon is then filled with bone cement to return the vertebra to its correct position. Afterwards, patients typically have reduced pain and can move easier.

“Myeloma patients frequently have this specific problem,” said Dr. …

Vitamin D deficiency may be a significant cause of skeletal complications in multiple myeloma patients, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Hematology. Skeletal complications, which include hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), bone loss, and osteolytic bone lesions, are a major cause of morbidity in multiple myeloma.

"Bone health is very important for quality of life in patients with myeloma, due to lytic lesions and an increased risk of fracture," explains Dr. Matthew Drake, an author of the study. "Vitamin D is very important for maintaining skeletal health, and …

A new study appearing in the July 9 issue of Blood discussed a potential therapeutic treatment that focuses on osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.

Myeloma patients commonly have high serum DKK1 levels, which may decrease with response to therapy for myeloma. DKK1, an important regulator of bone formation, has previously been associated with bone disease in cancers of the esophagus, lungs, prostate, and colon. However, DKK1 has recently emerged as a therapeutic target for suppressed bone formation. The study analyzed the effect of an antibody that neutralizes DKK1, called

A recent study, presented at the International Academy of Oral Oncology, suggests that in order to prevent jawbone disease, myeloma patients should receive a dental examination before beginning bisphosphonate (BP) therapy.

The duration of BP therapy and the severity of myeloma are linked to the development of jaw bone disease, or osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the jaw, causing the jawbone tissue to die.

BPs are a class of drugs that prevent bone from breaking down. They are commonly given to …

Bone fractures and bone disease are two severe complications affecting myeloma patients. However, treatments such as radiation therapy, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty are all used to help myeloma patients combat weakening bone formation.

The most common type of lesions that develop in myeloma patients are in the spinal column. Patients may mistake pain from the lesion, often in the lower back and ribs, to be general back pain. One possible cause for the pain is vertebral compression fractures, also known as spinal fractures. This happens because the bone in the spine is too weak to …