There are a variety of treatment options available for multiple myeloma, including novel therapies, stem cell transplantation, and unique combinations of drugs. The side effects of these therapies vary among individuals and depend on which medications are prescribed and the dosage. For the most part, adverse effects disappear over time after treatment is done.
Infections
Many agents used for multiple myeloma raise the risk for infection. Chemotherapy increases a patient's chance of getting an infection because it kills both healthy and malfunctioning white blood cells. When used for a long time, steroids, which may be added to a standard chemotherapy protocol, raise the risk for serious infection because they suppress the immune system. Lenalidomide, a new drug for multiple myeloma, also lowers white blood cell counts. Patients who undergo stem cell transplantation have a high risk for infection and must be carefully protected for weeks until their white blood cell count increases. Increased risk for infection gradually subsides after treatment is completed.
Upset Stomach
Several drugs used to treat multiple myeloma negatively affect the digestive tract, including chemotherapy drugs and bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Other gastrointestinal effects are diarrhea and constipation. These effects can also occur if radiation, or radiotherapy, is used for the lower back. Gastrointestinal symptoms go away once treatment stops.
Hair Loss
Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cause hair loss and baldness. Hair grows back once treatment is complete; however, it may have a slightly different texture or color, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Painful Nerves and Numbness
New drugs to treat multiple myeloma may cause painful nerve damage, which is termed neuropathy. Thalidomide, in particular, can cause severe neuropathy, which may not go away once treatment is done, according to the American Cancer Society. A related side effect is numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, which is called peripheral neuropathy. Bortezomib, can cause this side effect.
Skin Irritation
Radiotherapy causes the skin in the treated area to become dry and red. According to the Patient Education Institute of the National Institutes of Health, patients should avoid exposure to the sun, but not the air. Lotions or creams should not be used without consulting a physician. This side effect, like most others, disappears soon after treatment stops.
Effects Related to Low Blood Counts
Chemotherapy and other agents used to treat multiple myeloma lower the levels of healthy blood cells. Low blood platelets result in easy bruising or bleeding, while reduction in red blood cells causes fatigue, a common complaint in patients treated with radiotherapy.
