Multiple Myeloma:What Tom Brokaw Has

The well-known NBC Newsman and author Tom Brokaw,72,recently revealed he is being treated for multiple myeloma.It is a type of blood cancer in which abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bones and bone marrow,where they can interfere with the production of blood cells and damage or fracture bones,as well as produce M proteins that damage the body.Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies which help the body fight infection.In multiple myeloma,these cells can multiply uncontrollably in several bones,causing a range of problems.Progressive MM is a terminal illness,but can be fought off for a number of years.The four year survival rate is up to 60% on the latest drug regimen.One doctor described it as being similar to having diabetes for many of his patients.*
Multiple myeloma has no known cause,but there are a number of risk factors,such as being over 65;an African American;a male;and having a family history of the disease.About 22,000 Americans a year are diagnosed with it.It may be detected during routine blood and urine tests,or a patient may present with such symptoms as bone fractures,back pain,infections,nosebleeds or anemia.Diagnosis and staging is achieved with more blood and urine tests,x-rays,CT scans,PET scans and MRI,and most definitively by needle biopsy.*
Complications of MM may include kidney failure,bone pain and fractures,weakness,bleeding,infections,hypercalcemia-calcium leaking into the bloodstream from damaged bones-spinal cord compression and neuropathy.*
This cancer can be without symptoms for years or may require immediate treatment.The treatments range from oral and IV chemotherapy,to radiation and stem cell transplants,with their attendant side effects.Clinical trials for new treatments are also a possibility for MM patients.*
As with other cancers,being hopeful and staying as active as possible for as long as possible is a wise course.Mr.Brokaw is said to be responding well to treatment and continuing with his projects.