Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Takeda Oncology

Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that arises from the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is made in the bone marrow. These plasma cells become abnormal, multiply and release a type of antibody known as paraprotein, which causes symptoms of the disease, including bone pain, frequent or recurring infections and fatigue, a symptom of anemia. These malignant plasma cells have the potential to cause a number of serious health problems affecting the bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count. ¹

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer. ² As of 2022, nearly 188,000 people around the world currently live with multiple myeloma. ³

Although advances in treatment have improved outcomes, multiple myeloma remains an incurable, life-threatening disease characterized by multiple relapses, with substantial burdens on patients and caregivers. ⁴

 ¹ Cleveland Clinic. Multiple Myeloma. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6178-multiple-myeloma. Accessed July 2025.  ² Mateos MV, San Miguel JF. How should we treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients? Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2013;2013:488-495. Accessed July 2025.  ³ Global Cancer Observatory. Multiple Myeloma fact Sheet. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/35-multiple-myeloma-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed July 2025.  ⁴ Borrello, I. Can we change the disease biology of multiple myeloma? Leuk Res. 2012;36(suppl1):S3-S12. Accessed July 2025.