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Understanding multiple myeloma – your questions answered

Dr Ian Irving, Dr Jason Butler and Megan McDowell RN / 05 Apr, 2023

Facebook Live with Dr Ian Irving, Dr Jason Butler and Support Nurse Megan McDowell RN

Supported by Myeloma Australia, Clinical Haematologist Dr Jason Butler and Specialist Myeloma Support Nurse Megan McDowell RN recently appeared live on the Icon Cancer Centre Facebook page hosted by Icon Chief Medical Officer Dr Ian Irving, where they discussed how to manage symptoms and any side effects that you may experience during treatment for multiple myeloma.

The panel answered a variety of questions from our patients including:

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4:30 – What is multiple myeloma and what are the different types of myeloma?
10:49 – How common is multiple myeloma and are there any known risk factors?
15:18 – What causes multiple myeloma?
17:55 – What happens when you are first diagnosed with multiple myeloma? How is myeloma diagnosed?
23:20 – What are the treatment options for multiple myeloma? How is myeloma treated initially?
28:10 – Who is suitable for an autologous stem cell transplantation? Is there an age limit for this type of procedure?
28:30 – What is involved in an autologous stem cell transplantation?
33:30 – How can I look after myself during treatment for multiple myeloma?
37:03 – Am I able to be physically active whilst undergoing treatment? Are there specific types of exercise that are more beneficial than others?

39:59 – Should I be following any particular diet while I’m having treatment for multiple myeloma?
44:40 – What is CAR-T cell therapy? How is CAR-T cell therapy used to treat multiple myeloma?
51:55 – What is BiTE therapy? How does BiTE therapy compare against CAR-T cell therapy for treatment of multiple myeloma?
54:52 – Why is an allogeneic stem cell transplantation an uncommon treatment option for multiple myeloma?
55:40 – Is multiple myeloma hereditary? How common is it for both a husband and wife to be diagnosed with myeloma?
57:00 – Should I get my children tested if I’ve been diagnosed with multiple myeloma?
57:31 – How can my carer and I look after our mental health during my treatment for multiple myeloma?

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There are many different types of treatment for multiple myeloma. Your treatment will depend on you and your cancer.

Our patients share their perspective and advice.