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Quick facts about multiple myeloma

What is multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells live in the bone marrow and normally make antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, one plasma cell turns abnormal and copies itself over and over, until the marrow is crowded with clones of that one cell. These clones make a single useless antibody, called an M-protein or paraprotein, in huge amounts. The marrow loses room for healthy blood cells, the bones weaken, and the kidneys struggle.

Main types of multiple myeloma

Understanding the specific type of your cancer helps guide the right treatment approach. Your pathology report will identify which type you have.

Early signs to watch for

If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, speak with your doctor:

• Bone pain, especially back or ribs
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Kidney problems
• High calcium or recurring infections
• Fractures from minor falls
• Bleeding or nosebleeds
• Foamy or dark urine

What causes multiple myeloma and who is at risk

Risk factors for multiple myeloma vary, but understanding them helps with prevention and early detection. Age is the strongest risk, with most cases after fifty. Family history and prior MGUS also raise risk.

How we diagnose multiple myeloma

Diagnosis involves a sequence of tests to confirm the disease and understand its extent:

1. Blood tests: serum protein electrophoresis, free light chain assay
2. 24-hour urine for Bence Jones protein
3. Bone marrow biopsy with cytogenetics and FISH
4. Imaging: CT or MRI for bone lesions
5. Renal function testing

Stages of multiple myeloma, explained simply

Myeloma uses the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), not TNM. The stages depend on beta-2 microglobulin, albumin, and cytogenetics.

R-ISS Stage	Key features	Typical outlook
Stage I	Low beta-2, high albumin, standard risk	Longer median survival, often years
Stage II	Intermediate features	Variable, depends on other factors
Stage III	High beta-2 or high-risk cytogenetics	Shorter median survival without intensive therapy

Treatment options at HealOnco

Your treatment is tailored to your stage, type, age and overall health. Treatment is a long-term commitment with many drugs, most used in sequence.

Induction therapy

VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) or Dara-VRd (adding daratumumab) are standard first-line regimens, given for 4 to 6 cycles before transplant.

Stem cell transplantation

For fit patients, autologous (using your own cells) transplant after induction is the backbone. The procedure uses high-dose melphalan and a 3-week inpatient stay.

Maintenance therapy

Lenalidomide given continuously after transplant extends progression-free survival. Taken orally at home for months to years.

Relapse therapy

Many options are available when the disease returns: carfilzomib, pomalidomide, isatuximab, CAR-T therapy, and bispecific antibodies like teclistamab.

Why chemotherapy is used this way

Induction chemotherapy shrinks the disease, allowing safer stem cell collection. Transplant then eliminates even more myeloma cells. Maintenance prevents early relapse. This sequence has dramatically improved survival.

What a day at HealOnco looks like

1. Arrival (8:30 AM) – Check in and basic vitals
2. Pre-treatment (9:00 AM) – Blood work, review of blood counts and renal function
3. Doctor consultation (9:30 AM) – Brief check-in with your haematologist
4. Treatment (10:00 AM) – Infusion of induction drugs (VRd or Dara-VRd) in comfortable chair
5. Observation (12:30 PM) – Rest and monitor for reactions
6. Discharge (1:30 PM) – Go home with supportive care medications

Cost of treatment in India

Myeloma is expensive because treatment spans years. These are realistic ranges for a patient going through induction, transplant, and maintenance at a private centre in an Indian metro.

Phase	Treatment	Typical range (₹)	Duration
Induction (VRd)	4-6 cycles outpatient	3-7 lakhs	4-6 months
Induction (Dara-VRd)	4-6 cycles with daratumumab	10-18 lakhs	4-6 months
Transplant	Mobilization, harvest, melphalan, 3-week admission	10-18 lakhs	3-4 weeks
Maintenance (lenalidomide)	Monthly oral therapy	6,000-18,000 per month	Years

Insurance covers much of this if you have a policy. Call us for a written estimate matched to your exact case.

Our doctors

Our team of haematologists and support staff bring years of myeloma expertise and deep compassion to every patient.

Our centers

HealOnco operates daycare centers across major Indian metros, with beds reserved for transplant admissions. Bring world-class haematology care to your city.

Why modern myeloma care works better

Compared to older treatments, induction + transplant + maintenance has changed myeloma from a death sentence to a chronic disease many patients live with for a decade or more. Newer drugs (CAR-T, bispecifics) are improving outcomes further.

Is this treatment right for you

Transplant eligibility depends mainly on age and general health, not disease severity. We assess your fitness in the first month and discuss options honestly.

Side effects you should know about

Induction causes low counts, nausea, and sometimes neuropathy (tingling hands and feet) with bortezomib. Transplant causes temporary mucositis and hair thinning. All are manageable with support.

• Low blood counts – transfusions and growth factors prevent infections
• Nausea – good antiemetics now prevent this in most patients
• Neuropathy – reduced with subcutaneous bortezomib (preferred)
• Hair loss – temporary with melphalan, regrows within months
• Fatigue – improves between cycles, plan around it

What our patients say

Patients tell us that having a clear plan, knowing what to expect, and feeling like the team knows myeloma makes all the difference. The hope that comes from newer drugs changing outcomes is real.

Patient stories

Real stories from patients who have walked this road. Coming soon: video testimonials from HealOnco myeloma patients and their families.

Questions patients ask us

Is the transplant from a donor

No, in myeloma we almost always use your own stem cells. Donor transplant is reserved for very select cases because of the risks.

Will I lose my hair

Hair thinning is common with high-dose melphalan during transplant. Hair grows back within a few months. Induction drugs usually do not cause complete hair loss.

Is myeloma curable

A small number of patients achieve very long remissions. For most patients, myeloma is controllable for many years, often a decade or more with newer drugs. We will be honest about what your numbers mean.

Why do I keep getting infections

Healthy antibodies are low because the marrow is busy making the wrong antibody. Vaccinations, immunoglobulin replacement, and prophylactic antibiotics help prevent infections.

Can I work during treatment

Many patients on maintenance lenalidomide work full time. Induction cycles and the transplant admission are harder. Plan a few months of reduced work around transplant.

Why is my back hurting so much

Myeloma weakens vertebrae, and small movements can cause collapse. Radiation, vertebroplasty, and bone-strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates, denosumab) bring the pain down.

Will I need dialysis

Some patients arrive in kidney failure and need dialysis at first. With fast treatment of the myeloma, kidney function can recover in a meaningful share of cases, especially with bortezomib.

What is M-protein

It is the abnormal antibody myeloma cells make. We measure it on every visit because it tells us how the disease is responding to treatment.

Is CAR-T available in India

Yes, at a small number of centres. Indian-developed CAR-T products are now available and costs are dropping. We can refer you if you are eligible.

Do I need to change my diet

No special myeloma diet. Adequate protein, hydration, and care with raw foods during immune-low periods. A dietitian will see you on the first visit.

Can I travel

Yes, between cycles. During the transplant admission, no. We will plan around important events with you when possible.

What about second opinions

We encourage them. Myeloma treatment is complex and a second opinion is part of normal practice, not a sign of doubt.

Medically reviewed by

This page is reviewed regularly by our medical team to ensure current accuracy. Last reviewed: April 2026.

Multiple Myeloma treatment in top cities

• Multiple Myeloma treatment in Delhi
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Multiple Myeloma treatment cost in top cities

• Multiple Myeloma cost in Delhi
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Gurgaon
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Noida
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Faridabad
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Ghaziabad
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Mumbai
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Bengaluru
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Hyderabad
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Chennai
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Kolkata
• Multiple Myeloma cost in Pune

Related cancers we treat

HealOnco treats all major cancers and blood disorders with the same evidence-based, compassionate approach. Visit our full disease directory for more information.

Supportive care at HealOnco

Beyond myeloma-directed treatment, we offer:

• Bone pain management and palliative care
• Nutrition support and dietary counseling
• Psychological support and counseling
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Second opinion consultation

References

1. 1. WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours, 5th edition, IARC, who.int/iarc.fr
2. 2. Globocan 2022 India country profile, IARC Global Cancer Observatory, gco.iarc.fr
3. 3. ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme, haematological malignancies report, icmr.gov.in
4. 4. NCI/SEER multiple myeloma overview, cancer.gov and seer.cancer.gov
5. 5. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Multiple Myeloma, nccn.org
6. 6. ESMO Patient Guide: Multiple Myeloma, esmo.org
7. 7. International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic and response criteria, indexed at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8. 8. a tertiary cancer centre evidence-based management protocol for multiple myeloma, a tertiary cancer centre.gov.in
9. 9. a tertiary cancer centre New Delhi haematology patient handouts, a tertiary cancer centre.edu
10. 10. ICD-11 entry 2A83, Plasma cell myeloma, who.int
11. 11. DBT/ICMR publications on subcutaneous bortezomib and biosimilar lenalidomide in India, dbtindia.gov.in

Medical disclaimer

This page provides general information about Multiple Myeloma and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your haematologist or oncologist before making any treatment decisions. Individual outcomes vary based on stage, age, overall health, and treatment adherence. For personalized medical advice, contact HealOnco or your nearest cancer center.

Reviewed by: HealOnco Medical Team | Last updated: April 2026