Multiple Myeloma

When myeloma cells develop into a single collection of cells, typically in the bone, it is called a solitary plasmacytoma. Multiple myeloma refers to the presence of several myeloma tumors. MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance) and smoldering myeloma cause no symptoms but refer to the development of abnormal cells that can eventually lead to multiple myeloma or related cancers. 

Rare, Related Diseases
We also treat rare diseases related to myeloma, including:

• POEMS syndrome
• Amyloidosis
• Light or heavy chain deposition disease
• Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a form of lymphoma

Personalized Treatment Plan
We design a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. For example, if you are experiencing smoldering myeloma or MGUS, which typically do not produce symptoms, we may recommend active surveillance of your myeloma. Young, healthy people with symptoms may tolerate more intensive therapies, while older or frail people may benefit from gentler treatment options. 

We Work With Your Doctors
We routinely see people who travel to Duke for consultations and work with physicians near your home to ensure you receive the optimal care for your stage and type of myeloma. 

Largest Multiple Myeloma Center in North Carolina
We treat 1,000 people with blood cancer each year, more than any other facility in North Carolina, and we have a team dedicated to working with people who have multiple myeloma. In addition, as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are recognized as meeting rigorous standards for laboratory, clinical, and population-based research, and for focusing our scientific efforts on developing new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. We are also part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving patient care.

A Team of Experts
Because myeloma can affect your blood, your bones, your kidneys, and other organs, you benefit from the close relationships our hematology/oncology specialists have with orthopaedic surgeons, kidney specialists, and other doctors throughout Duke who have extensive experience with myeloma. We discuss your care, collect opinions, and offer coordinated treatment recommendations and follow up.

Clinical Trial Access
We offer a wide range of clinical trials that may give you access to new drugs and new approaches not offered at other hospitals. For example, we offer clinical trials in bone marrow transplants and promising new drugs that are not yet available outside of a clinical trial. We also offer supportive care interventions such as exercise and stress management techniques, and senior adult assessments. Many of these approaches were pioneered at Duke and now offer new hope to people with myeloma. 

Support for You and Your Family
Our comprehensive support services are here for you throughout your treatment journey. We help minimize the side effects of treatment, and offer support to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. You may also utilize our services focusing on nutrition, guided imagery, anxiety control, and meditation. Our cancer survivorship clinic pulls together a range of resources specially designed to help you after your treatment ends. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.