Myeloma

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Expert Myeloma Care at UT Southwestern

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our experts specialize in treatment for every stage of myeloma. We offer patients access to the most innovative therapies and a range of clinical trials that aren’t available at every hospital.

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What is Myeloma?

Myeloma is a bone marrow cancer that starts in the plasma cells. Myeloma develops when a plasma cell mutates or changes and then multiplies, affecting the production of healthy blood cells. We’re not entirely sure why some plasma cells become malignant myeloma cells and others don’t.

Plasma cells are white blood cells that are part of the immune system. When plasma cells become malignant, they affect healthy blood cell production, which weakens the immune system. If left untreated, the cancerous cells can lead to kidney damage and bone destruction.

More than 90 percent of patients diagnosed with myeloma have multiple myeloma, which means that the cancerous cells, known as myeloma cells once they are malignant, have developed in more than one location in the bone marrow.

While myeloma is not curable, it is treatable, especially at a top cancer center like UT Southwestern that has the newest therapies.

Compassionate Expertise. Unmatched Results.

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Clinical Trials

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Available Treatments

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What are the Risk Factors of Myeloma?

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk of developing myeloma. These include:

Older age: People age 50 and older are more likely to develop myeloma than those under 40.
Being male: More men develop myeloma than women.
African-American race: African-Americans are more than twice as likely to develop myeloma than Caucasians.
History of MGUS: People with a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are at higher risk for myeloma.

Other possible risk factors include obesity and exposure to certain types of chemicals, but these are still being researched.

What are the Symptoms of Myeloma?

Symptoms of myeloma vary, and not everyone experiences symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do occur, they can be vague and similar to symptoms of other conditions. Patients should discuss anything unusual with their doctor.

The most common myeloma symptoms include:

Bone pain, weakness, or fractures
Fatigue
Frequent infections
Increased thirst
Confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Impaired kidney function

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Myeloma Treatment

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

What UT Southwestern Offers for Myeloma Patients

For patients with myeloma, we offer:

Myeloma expertise that is unmatched in Dallas-Ft. Worth
Access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trial research for every stage of myeloma
Bone marrow transplant and nontransplant treatment modalities
Opportunity for one physician to handle all-of-a patient’s care, from diagnosis to transplant and beyond
State-of-the-art, 32-bed hospital unit built specifically for immunocompromised patients
A broad range of support services that provide care beyond treatment, for both our patients and their families

As a member of the elite Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, we have access to even more new treatments earlier than other facilities, and we are supporting the continued advancement of myeloma therapies. At any time, we have eight to 10 myeloma clinical trials available to our patients.

Personalized Care Throughout the Journey

UT Southwestern provides excellent, compassionate care for patients with all types of blood cancers. From a personalized patient experience to cutting-edge treatments, discover what sets us apart.

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Nationally Ranked in Cancer Care

UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals for cancer care. Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff are trusted partners in returning patients with cancer to good health. Through a combination of expertly delivered, compassionate care and our initiatives to develop new lines of defense against cancer, we offer more than most cancer centers.

U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospitals for leukemia, lymphoma, & myeloma

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center's treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma is rated as "High Performing" by U.S. News & World Report, placing us among the nation’s top hospitals for this area of care.

At UT Southwestern, You’re Not a Number

When Amy Robinson was diagnosed with Myeloma and was told she had 18 months to live, she told her doctor, “That’s unacceptable.” Hear Amy’s journey how she found the care she needed at UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, and how she was given back her quality of life.

Every Treatment at Every Stage

Whether patients are newly diagnosed or experiencing a relapse, we offer the most advanced therapies and the experience and compassion they deserve in their fight against this disease.

We welcome referrals from other doctors whose patients need bone marrow transplants. We will coordinate with referring physicians, perform the transplant, and refer patients back once they have recovered from the transplant.

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cancer Care at the Highest Level. Anywhere.

Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.