Discover crucial insights on Multiple Myeloma, from early symptoms and risk factors to the latest advanced treatments available in Singapore. A comprehensive guide for patients and caregivers seeking expert care and hope.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms and Treatment in Singapore
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. This guide explains common symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, relapse, and treatment options, based on insights from Dr Daryl Tan’s interview with Sin Ming Daily News.
Insights from Dr Daryl on Multiple Myeloma
This article is based on an English translation of Dr Daryl Tan’s interview, first published in Sin Ming Daily News on 10 March 2026. It explains what multiple myeloma is, how it may present, and how treatment has evolved in recent years.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help the body fight infection by producing antibodies.
In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. This can affect normal blood production, weaken the bones, increase infection risk, and cause abnormal proteins to build up in the blood or kidneys.
Unlike cancers that form solid tumours, multiple myeloma is a blood cancer. It often requires long-term monitoring and treatment by a haematologist.
Common Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. In some patients, it is only detected after abnormal blood or urine test results.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Persistent bone pain, especially in the back, ribs, hips, or chest
- Fractures or bone weakness after minor strain or injury
- Fatigue, weakness, or breathlessness due to anaemia
- Frequent or recurrent infections
- Kidney problems or abnormal kidney function test results
- High calcium levels, which may cause thirst, nausea, constipation, confusion, or tiredness
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. However, if they are persistent, worsening, or unexplained, it is important to seek medical assessment.
How Multiple Myeloma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of tests to confirm the condition and assess how it is affecting the body.
These may include:
- Blood tests to check blood counts, kidney function, calcium levels, and abnormal proteins
- Urine tests to detect abnormal proteins linked to myeloma
- Imaging scans to check for bone damage, fractures, or affected areas
- Bone marrow biopsy to assess abnormal plasma cells
- Additional tests to understand the risk profile of the disease and guide treatment planning
The results help the haematologist confirm the diagnosis, assess disease severity, and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma
Treatment for multiple myeloma has changed significantly over the years. Care is now more personalised and may depend on the patient’s age, fitness, symptoms, kidney function, disease risk, and previous treatment response.
Treatment may include:
- Induction therapy to reduce the number of myeloma cells
- Stem cell transplantation for suitable patients
- Maintenance therapy to help keep the disease under control
- Targeted therapy to act on specific cancer cell pathways
- Immunomodulatory drugs to support the immune system’s ability to fight myeloma
- Monoclonal antibodies that attach to specific targets on myeloma cells
- Steroids and other supportive medicines
- Bone-strengthening treatment, where appropriate
- Supportive care to manage anaemia, infections, kidney problems, pain, or bone complications
Some treatments are given as tablets, while others may be given by injection or infusion. Depending on the treatment plan and the patient’s condition, some care may be delivered in an outpatient setting.
Newer Treatments for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
For selected patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, newer treatment options may be considered.
These may include:
- Bispecific antibodies
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Newer targeted drug combinations
- Other immunotherapy-based approaches
These treatments are not suitable for every patient. Eligibility depends on factors such as previous treatments, disease status, general health, treatment goals, and availability.
The treatment landscape continues to evolve, giving doctors more options to manage relapse and improve long-term disease control.
Can People Live Longer With Multiple Myeloma Today?
Outcomes for multiple myeloma have improved significantly over the past two decades. Newer drug combinations, maintenance therapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted treatments, and immunotherapies have helped many patients live longer and maintain a better quality of life.
However, prognosis varies from person to person. Important factors include:
- Age
- Overall health
- Disease risk
- Kidney function
- Response to treatment
- Whether the disease relapses early or remains controlled for longer
For this reason, treatment should be individualised and reviewed regularly with a haematologist.
Multiple Myeloma Care in Singapore
At the Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Blood Disorders, care is tailored to each patient using current, evidence-based treatment approaches. This may include targeted therapies, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant assessment, supportive care, and management strategies for relapsed disease.
While multiple myeloma remains a chronic condition, advances in treatment continue to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
If you have concerns about symptoms, a recent diagnosis, or would like a second opinion, it may be helpful to speak with a haematology specialist in Singapore.
Meet Our Haematologist
Dr Daryl Tan Chen Lung
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MMED (Int Med), FAMS (Haematology)
Dr Daryl Tan is a haematologist in Singapore with clinical interests in lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukaemia, and other blood disorders. His care includes diagnosis, treatment planning, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.