Is there a complete cure for multiple myeloma?
Patient: My mother (60 yrs old) is suffering from multiple myeloma since last one year. When she was diagnosed she had high M  about 5.53 gm/dl but with no other symtom like bone lesion or bence jones protein etc. Her treatment started with Leningio, for 4 cycles, which very well controlled the diseases. However, Myeloma protein recurred within a month, time during which she was on thalidomide. She was started with valcade, after two dose only M protein went down to Zero. Only two cycles of valcade were given as she complained of severe neuropathy in hands and legs. After that, as M was under control, she underwent stem cell transplant. She still has neuropathy in hands and legs after almost three months of peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Otherwise she is fine. But since past week she has started complaining of poor eye sight. She has blurred vision and can not see distant objects very clearly. I am worried and would like to know why is it so? Will as this disease progress my mother will have other problems also like kidney failure, inability to walk or loss of senses because of severe neuropathy etc. Apparently this disease looks worst with no sign of relief even after having transplant etc. Will there be any disease free survival period. Please guide. Doctor: Good morning. With the current knowledge and advancement in medical science, there is still no cure for multiple myeloma. Only the survival can be prolonged. Transplant only provides a prolong disease free survival but the disease again recurs back. There are still newer drugs available with little side effects and your mother can be prescribed those drugs. More over a repeat transplant can be done once her condition improves. So you need not to worry. With the current available treatment options patient of myeloma can live upto 5- 7 years.regards