A group of leading myeloma specialists, known as the International Myeloma Working Group, recently collaborated to develop guidelines for the proper management of bone disease in multiple myeloma. The group recommended that patients with bone disease should be treated with standard dosages of intravenous bisphosphonates. A minimally invasive procedure called kyphoplasty may also be considered to reduce bone pain and improve functional ability.

Dr. David Roodman of the University of Pittsburgh presented these findings at the International Myeloma Workshop (IMW) on May 6 in Paris.

Most multiple myeloma patients develop bone disease, …

This article is the second in a two-part series about nutrition for multiple myeloma patients. The first article provides an introduction to nutrition for cancer patients as well as tips for getting the right nutrition. This, the second article, describes sources and amounts of nutrients that are important for myeloma patients.

Taking nutritional supplements is common among multiple myeloma patients and other cancer patients. These supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and various plant compounds, may be important to keep the body …

Vitamin D and calcium supplements may be used together to prevent cancer, including multiple myeloma, according to an article in the September issue of the journal Anticancer Research.

Many scientists cite vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for several types of cancer. In fact, research has indicated that people who maintain high levels of vitamin D may reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 70 percent. Other studies have established a significant inverse relationship between UV-B exposure and death in 15 forms of cancer. Vitamin D is naturally produced …

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 …