Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program

Why Choose Loyola For Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Care?

Loyola Medicine's Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Clinic is listed as an academic center of excellence by the Amyloidosis Research Consortium. At a multidisciplinary clinic patients will have a team of doctors from various specialties like hematology and oncology, cardiology, neurology and nephrology who collaborate to diagnose and treat the disease.

We are proud to offer specialized care for multiple myeloma and amyloidosis through our multidisciplinary team approach. Our comprehensive care integrates the latest treatments, including stem cell transplants, innovative immunotherapy, and access to clinical trials — all aimed at optimizing patient outcomes. With multiple locations in the Chicagoland area, patients have convenient access to the care they need.

Meet Our Team

Overview

Multiple myeloma and amyloidosis are related but distinct conditions that affect the body's plasma cells, a type of blood cell that plays a significant role in the adaptive immune response. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that leads to an overproduction of abnormal cancerous plasma cells. These cancerous cells along with the cancerous protein they generate can affecting bone health, kidney function, and more.

Amyloidosis is also a blood cancer where the cancerous plasma cells produce and particularly dangerous abnormal protein called amyloid which can build up in various organs and tissues, disrupting their function. Both conditions are considered rare, and their prevalence increases with age, typically affecting people over the age of 60.

Risk Factors

Multiple myeloma and amyloidosis are both cancers associated with aging, with most patients being diagnosed in their 60s or 70s. Other risk factors include:

• Gender: Men are more likely to be diagnosed with these conditions than women.
• Ethnicity: Multiple myeloma is more common in African Americans.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Long-term exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, petrochemicals, and sheet metal particulates may increase the risk.
• Family history: Although having a relative with multiple myeloma slightly increases the risk, it does not mandate specific testing.

Symptoms

Multiple myeloma symptoms and amyloidosis symptoms can vary depending on the organs affected and the stage of the disease.

Multiple Myeloma Symptoms

• Bone pain, particularly in the back and ribs, caused by bone weakening or fractures and occasionally myeloma tumors called plasmacytomas.
• Fatigue, resulting from anemia or the disease's impact on bone marrow.
• Kidney dysfunction due to elevated calcium levels and protein deposits.
• Frequent infections due to weakened immune function.
• No symptoms for some individuals who are diagnosed through routine lab work showing abnormalities.

Amyloidosis Symptoms

• Swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, or feet.
• Fatigue and weakness, generalized exhaustion is common.
• Shortness of breath, if amyloid affects the heart or lungs.
• Numbness or tingling, which affects hands and feet when nerves are involved.
• Unexplained weight loss, that isn't related to specific lifestyle or known medical change.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing multiple myeloma and amyloidosis requires a thorough assessment using lab tests, imaging studies, and biopsies to confirm the presence of disease and guide treatment.

Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

Blood Tests
Tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to check levels of red and white blood cells, and kidney and calcium levels to assess bone damage and kidney function. Specific markers like M-proteins, immunoglogulins, and free light chains are measured to detect the presence of cancerous plasma cells, including ones that cause blood cancer.

Urine Tests
Urine tests identify Bence Jones proteins, which can signal kidney damage.

Imaging Studies
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or PET/CTs are used to evaluate bone health. These imaging studies detect bone damage or lesions caused by cancer.

Bone Marrow Biopsy
The definitive test for multiple myeloma, a bone marrow biopsy, measures the number of cancerous plasma cells and identifies genetic mutations crucial for staging the disease.

Staging
Staging is based on a combination of blood test results and chromosomal abnormalities in plasma cells. This helps classify the disease as Stage I, II, or III, informing treatment choices.

Amyloidosis Diagnosis

Tests are used to detect abnormal amyloid proteins affecting organ function, similar to multiple myeloma.

Tissue Biopsy
A small sample of tissue is taken (often from abdominal fat or affected organs) to confirm amyloid deposits.

Bone Marrow Biopsy
The definitive test for AL (light chain) amyloidosis, a bone marrow biopsy measures the number of cancerous plasma cells and identifies genetic mutations crucial for staging the disease.

Specialized Imaging
Depending on which organs are involved, imaging studies like a cardiac MRI or ultrasound may be used to evaluate organ damage.

Organ Function Tests
Specific tests assess the health of organs like the heart and kidneys, ensuring any amyloid-related damage is accurately diagnosed and managed by the appropriate specialist.

At Loyola Medicine, our specialized team works together to provide a thorough and precise diagnosis, ensuring a personalized plan for each patient. This collaborative approach allows us to provide the best possible care for individuals with these complex conditions.

Treatment

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

At Loyola Medicine, we customize treatment based on the stage of cancer, patient health and personal preferences.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Drugs like monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies (also known as "BITE" therapy), and drugs that target specific mutation to decrease side effects.

Chimeric Antigen T-Cell Therapy (CAR-T):: Drugs like monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies (also known as "BITE" therapy), and drugs that target specific mutation to decrease side effects.

Stem Cell Transplant: Autologous stem cell transplant is a key component of treatment for eligible patients, involving high-dose chemotherapy followed by infusion of the patient’s stem cells.

Chemotherapy and Medications: Chemotherapy and medications are used to control the growth of cancer cells and to help relieve symptoms.

Amyloidosis Treatment

Medications to Reduce Amyloid Production: Chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies are used to suppress the plasma cells producing the abnormal protein.

Organ-Supportive Therapies: Managing heart or kidney dysfunction to improve quality of life.

Stem Cell Transplant: May be offered in specific cases, particularly for AL (light chain) amyloidosis.

Our approach includes not only treating the disease but also comprehensive supportive care, including pain management, nutritional support, social services, and psychological counseling.

Research

Loyola Medicine is committed to advancing the treatment of multiple myeloma and amyloidosis through innovative research and clinical trials.

Clinical Trials: We provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials exploring new treatments, such as advanced CAR-T cell therapies and novel monoclonal antibodies. Our patients benefit from the latest advancements in the field, which may not be available in other centers.

Multidisciplinary Care and Outcomes: Patients who are treated in specialized centers like ours have significantly improved outcomes, particularly for minority populations. At Loyola, we are committed to ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive, personalized care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Ongoing Research Initiatives: Our specialists are dedicated to developing new ways to diagnose and treat plasma cell disorders, including studies focusing on minority outcomes and new therapeutic approaches.