PeopleBeatingCancer supports an evidence-based integrative approach to cancer care. For most newly diagnosed patients, FDA-approved therapies form the foundation of treatment, while evidence-based complementary therapies may help reduce side effects and improve survivorship.
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Multiple myeloma bone health: Evidence-based ways to reduce bone loss. Learn how multiple myeloma damages bone, and discover evidence-based conventional and integrative therapies—including bisphosphonates, exercise, nutrition, vitamin D, and lifestyle changes—to reduce fractures and improve bone health.
What Causes Bone Damage in Multiple Myeloma?
Bone damage in multiple myeloma is caused by an imbalance in the bone remodeling cycle. Cancerous plasma cells secrete specific proteins and cytokines that over-activate osteoclasts (cells that destroy old bone) while simultaneously suppressing osteoblasts (cells that build new bone). [1, 2]
Symptoms of Myeloma Bone Disease
Myeloma bone cancer (multiple myeloma) symptoms primarily stem from bone damage, bone marrow crowding, and kidney strain. They include persistent bone pain (especially in the spine, ribs, and hips), unexplained bone fractures, extreme fatigue from anemia, frequent infections, and confusion or nausea caused by high calcium levels. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Multiple myeloma weakens bones by increasing bone breakdown while preventing new bone formation. Conventional treatments such as bisphosphonates and denosumab reduce fractures, while evidence suggests that exercise, adequate vitamin D, nutrition, and selected supplements may also help preserve bone health during survivorship.
If you are newly diagnosed or have relapsed you must think how to maintain bone health for the rest of your life. The content linked and excerpted below cites both conventional bisphosphonate therapies such as Zometa and Pamidronate and evidence-based non-conventional therapies such as magnesium and weight-bearing exercise.
Further, it is common to present with a compression fracture, usually in your spine. The issue then is how best to stabilize the bone damage. I’ve read testimonials from mm patients who think kyphoplasty is great. However, the second study below cites the ability for bones to heal on their own.
I’ve never found research that finds for one therapy or the other.
Please consider combining current standard-of-care bone therapy, bisphosphonates, with evidence-based, non-conventional bone health therapies such vitamin D3. The final paragraph linked below explains average costs for standard-of-care bone health therapies. When I was undergoing active therapies I focused on chemotherapy regimens- what was working, what side effects occurred, those sorts of issues. I didn’t focus on the high cost of bone therapies… big mistake.
I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM Cancer Coach. Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with multiple myeloma? Are you experiencing bone pain or bone damage? Scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Recommended for patients with or without evidence of lytic damage
“Patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma should receive bone-modifying therapy irrespective of evidence of lytic destruction or spinal compression fracture, according to an updated guideline from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Treatment options consist of the intravenous bisphosphonates pamidronate and zoledronic acid (Zometa) or, alternatively, the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab (Xgeva). Denosumab might be preferred over zoledronic acid for patients with renal impairment, as the RANKL inhibitor has been associated with fewer renal adverse events...
“These recommendations are consistent with the previous recommendations, with new information on denosumab,” the guideline authors stated. “Additional modifications were made to some of the recommendations on the basis of recent data to better clarify the indications for treatment, duration of treatment, and associated complications of treatment…”
The updated guideline also includes a table with the estimated cost of bone-modifying agents. Pamidronate and zoledronic acid had per-dose costs of $30.67 and $53.64, respectively, whereas each dose of denosumab cost $1,995.48. The estimated 1-year costs were $398.71 for pamidronate, $214.56 for zoledronic acid administered every 12 weeks, $697.37 for zoledronic acid every 4 weeks, and $25,9341.24 for denosumab every 4 weeks...”
“You’ve got a few key treatment goals when you have a compression fracture of the spine. You want to ease the pain, heal the fracture, and treat the osteoporosis that weakened your bones and caused them to collapse.
There’s a good chance you won’t need surgery. Most people can get by without it. Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace…
Physical Therapy
Once you’re feeling better, ask your doctor if you should join a rehab program or work with a physical therapist. Exercises that strengthen your back can help you avoid having more compression fractures.
Check with your doctor about the best weight-bearing exercises for you, such as:
Hi,
My friend has just been diagnosed with MM and is in lots of pain. She is currently in hospital since 7 July and the doctors are not sure what to do with her so she is being transfered to another hospital today. I’m currently in another country but due to fly out in 2 days time, and currently making a list of supplements to take, so far I have got: Berberine, Black Seed Oil, Mg, Vid D3 with K2, B12, Folate (both methylated versions and sublingual), Resveratrol, Niacin, curcumin, ginger, omega 3 and also aspirin and extra virgin olive oil. Would you agree with this list, remove or add anything else? Thanking you in advance, A
