This evening internet has been awash with the sad news of the untimely demise of JCC bishop Allan Kiuna , who has died after a long battle with Myeloma cancer.
The prominent bishop had been in and out of hospital in The United States of America among other health facilities and at some point coming out to confirm that he was was cancer free after spending Ksh 460 million on treatment.
So what is Myeloma cancer? What causes it, and how is it treated?
According to Cancer.org.au , myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow . When cancerous, these abnormal plasma cells spread throughout the bone marrow so that there is not enough space to make enough normal blood cells which provide body immune.
It is estimated that more than 2,600 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023 with average age at diagnosis is 71 years old.
What are signs And Symptoms Associated With Myeloma signs
- Bone pain or a broken bone without an obvious injury
2. Frequent infections or an infection that is difficult to overcome
3. Tiredness, shortness of breath or a racing heart
4. Kidney problems
5. Heavy nosebleeds or easy bruising
6. Feeling sick, drowsy or confused
7. Abnormal blood counts.
What Causes Myeloma Cancer ?
There is no known causes of myeloma but certain chemicals, high levels of radiation (such as from working in a nuclear power plant) and viruses (such as HIV) have been linked to an increased risk of myeloma.
Myeloma is not considered hereditary, so it is rare for more than one person in a family to be affected
Tests to diagnose myeloma may include:
A) Blood and urine tests
B) X-rays
C)Bone Marrow Test
D) Cytogenetic tests
What Are The Prescribed Treatment for Myeloma Cancer
Prescribed treatment for Myeloma cancer include chemotherapy among other treatment like;
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy essentially kills cancer cells in the blood and can be administered as tablets or injected into or under the skin.
2. Thalidomide
This treatment helps to block blood supply to infected blood cells and stimulating the body’s immune system.
3. Bortezomib
This treatment helps block the breakdown of proteins with Myeloma cells and stopping them from growing and dying.
4. Steroids
Steroids can are used to modify body immune system in the way it responds and easy swelling and inflammation and hence actively kill myeloma cells.
4. Bisphosphonate
Bisphosphonate drugs are used to reduce bone pain and prevent further bone weakness or damage caused by myeloma cells. They also prevent dangerous rises in blood calcium levels.
5. Radiation therapy
The use of x-rays to kill or injure cancer cells, can be used to relieve some of the symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as bone pain.
6. Plasma
Plasma is a way of removing some extra proteins in the blood. The blood is removed via a needle in a vein in one arm, passing through a separating machine, which then puts the healthy portion of the blood combined with new replacement plasma back into a vein in the other arm.
7. Stem cell transplant
Stem cell transplant involves a high dose of chemotherapy to destroy the bone marrow, followed by transplanted blood-forming stem cells to rescue the bone marrow and help restore the blood cell numbers.
