Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that predominantly occurs in the plasma cells which is a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells help individuals in fighting infections by making antibodies that identify and attack germs. Multiple myeloma, however, is a condition that results in the accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow where these plasma cells are found. The cancer cells go on to produce abnormal proteins instead of producing useful antibodies and this results in complications. The condition is, therefore, called bone marrow cancer as well. The signs and symptoms of this condition could be confused with that of other normal conditions. It is important to get these symptoms checked in time so as to get a timely diagnosis.

What are the signs of multiple myeloma?
It is important to note that the signs of this condition as they can vary greatly. During the early phase of the condition, it is quite possible for the sufferer to not experience any of the symptoms. However, if signs do occur, they might include the following. These symptoms can easily be confused as those of other conditions; one should get it checked without causing any further delay to rule out the possibilities:

• Nausea
• Bone pain which is generally in the chest or spine
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Frequent infections
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Mental confusion or fogginess
• Excessive thirst
• Numbness or weakness in the legs

Once a person is diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a doctor will look to devise an appropriate treatment method to help the sufferer manage this condition. One such commonly used treatment method is targeted therapy. Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma involves the use of medications for blocking the growth of myeloma cells. These medications work by blocking the action of the abnormal proteins produced by the cancer cells in the bone marrow. These are actually the main target because they stimulate the growth of the cells that result in the development of multiple myeloma.

Why is targeted therapy preferred for treating multiple myeloma?
Targeted therapy medications are specifically designed for attaching themselves to certain protein receptors found on the surface of these cancer cells. Targeted therapy might either be used alone or in combination with various other treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Targeted therapy help in achieving the following:

• Killing the cells that cause multiple myeloma
• Decreasing the number of cancerous cells within the body prior to undergoing stem cell procedure. This is basically known as induction therapy.
• Making stem cell transplant effective. This is also known as conditional therapy.
• Destroying cancerous cells in the bone marrow as an integral part of stem cell transplant conditioning.
• Treating a condition that is no longer responding or is relapsing to other treatment options. This is known as a refractory procedure.
• Reducing the chance of recurrence or relapse and keeping cancer in perfect remission post stem cell transplant. This is known as maintenance therapy.

How do doctors administer targeted therapy?
Doctors administering this therapy generally consider the personal requirements of the patients for selecting the medications, their doses, and the schedules for the therapy. The medications used in targeted therapy might also be used in combination with the drugs of chemotherapy and supportive therapy.

What type of medications are used in targeted therapy for multiple myeloma?
Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma is generally designed for interfering with the abnormal proteins that are found in the myeloma cancer cells. The most important medications used for this therapy are as follows:

• Bortezomib administered in the form of an injection.
• Proteasome inhibitors; these are used for blocking proteasomes or special proteins known as enzymes required for the growth of the cancer cells.
• VTD regimen which includes the use of dexamethasone and thalidomide
• VMP regimen which includes the use of prednisone, melphalan, and dexamethasone
• VRD regimen which includes the use of dexamethasone and lenalidomide

These are agents that tend to targeted cancer cells effectively as compared to conventional chemotherapy. However, they might result in side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, nausea, numbness, and nerve damage.