UNDERSTANDING MYELOMA

What is Myeloma ?

Myeloma is a type of cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma is often called multiple myeloma because most people (90%) have multiple bone lesions at the time it is diagnosed.

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. They are part of the immune system and help fight infection. When cancerous, these abnormal plasma cells spread throughout the bone marrow so that there is not enough space to make enough normal blood cells.

Bone marrow is found in multiple areas of the body including the spine, skull, shoulders, ribs and pelvis.

Myeloma symptoms

The symptoms of myeloma can include:

• bone pain or a broken bone without an obvious injury
• frequent infections or an infection that is difficult to overcome
• tiredness, shortness of breath or a racing heart
• kidney problems
• heavy nosebleeds or easy bruising
• feeling sick, drowsy or confused
• abnormal blood counts.

Causes of myeloma

There are no known causes of myeloma. It is not hereditary, so it is rare for more than one person in a family to be affected.

Certain chemicals, radiation and viruses (such as HIV) have been linked to an increased risk of myeloma.

Diagnosis for myeloma

If your doctor suspects you may have myeloma, you will have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood and urine tests
• X-rays
• Scans
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Cytogenetic tests

Treatment for myeloma

• Active monitoring
  Active monitoring, which involves regular check-ups, is most often used for early-stage myeloma, when it is considered that immediate treatment will not affect prognosis.
• Treatments to control myeloma
  Initial treatment usually includes a combination of chemotherapy and other drugs.

Generic Lenalidomide Capsules

Lenalidomide belongs to a class of drugs known as immunomodulatory agents. It works by helping the bone marrow produce normal, healthy blood cells and by killing abnormal blood cells inside the bone marrow.

You are usually given lenalidomide after you have already had two previous treatments for myeloma. Sometimes it may be given after just one treatment. You have lenalidomide with a steroid drug called dexamethasone and sometimes also with a chemotherapy drug.

This medication comes as a capsule that is taken by mouth, and should be swallowed whole. It should not be broken, chewed, or opened.

Your doctor will recommend the exact duration for which this medication should be taken. Sometimes, treatment may be paused if any severe side effects occur. Be sure to communicate any symptoms to your doctor.

LIVER CANCER - WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS

Cancers that start in the liver are called liver cancer (primary liver cancer). Though uncommon in the United States, liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Liver cancer is difficult to treat since it is hard to detect early.

Symptoms

Liver cancer is sometimes called a silent disease because there are often no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms usually appear once the cancer has advanced.

Common signs of liver cancer include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side, which you may also feel in your back and shoulder
• Swollen or bloated abdomen
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite and a feeling of fullness after small meals
• Weakness or feeling very tired
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice, whose symptoms include yellow skin and eyes and dark urine
• Fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms are not necessarily signs of liver cancer and may be the result of other liver diseases or health problems unrelated to the liver. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Cancer Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be based on the type of liver cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, how well your liver works, your overall health, and the discussion between you and your healthcare professional.

There are 2 types of treatment used for liver cancer—curative treatment and noncurative treatment.

Curative treatment aims to cure the disease by removing the tumor(s).

Curative treatments include:

• Liver transplant
• Surgery
• Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI)
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Noncurative treatment is used for patients with unresectable disease (cancer that cannot be treated with surgery).

The goal of this type of treatment is to make symptoms better and slow the growth of your cancer.

Noncurative treatment includes:

• Locoregional therapy
• Radiotherapy
• Systemic treatment

NEXAVAR 200 mg is a noncurative systemic treatment only to be used in liver cancers that cannot be treated with surgery.

Nexavar Sorafenib 200 mg Tablets

Brand Name : Nexavar

Active Ingredients : Sorafenib Tosylate

Manufactured by: Bayer Schering Pharma AG

Strength: 200 mg

Form: Tablets

Packing: Pack of 60 Tablets

For patients with liver cancer, a treatment plan may include any or all of the treatments above. Speak with your healthcare professional about how Sorafenib 200 mg Tablets, an oral medication, might fit into your treatment plan if you have liver cancer that cannot be treated with surgery.