Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. While it is not usually curable, it has become one of the most treatable blood cancers, with modern drug combinations giving many patients long, good-quality remissions.

At Indian OncoCare, myeloma treatment is planned and supervised personally by Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh), Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, as a hemato-oncologist with specific training in blood cancers.

When to see a myeloma specialist

Myeloma often shows itself through a pattern doctors remember as CRAB:

Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, or unexpected fractures
Anaemia — persistent tiredness and weakness
Kidney problems found on blood tests
Raised calcium, causing thirst, confusion or constipation

Recurrent infections are also common. These symptoms together, particularly unexplained bone pain with anaemia, warrant testing for myeloma.

How multiple myeloma is diagnosed

Diagnosis combines blood and urine tests for abnormal proteins (protein electrophoresis and serum free light chains), a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and imaging of the bones (whole-body low-dose CT, MRI or PET-CT). Cytogenetic and FISH testing of the marrow identifies higher-risk features that influence treatment.

Treatment options

Modern myeloma treatment usually combines several classes of drug:

Targeted and novel agents — proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, the backbone of therapy.
Immunotherapy — anti-CD38 antibodies, and, for relapsed disease, bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy.
Chemotherapy and steroids as part of combination regimens.
Autologous stem cell (bone marrow) transplant — a key consolidation step for suitable patients.

Supportive treatment for bones, kidneys and blood counts is an essential part of care.

Why choose Indian OncoCare

Myeloma is a hemato-oncology condition, and Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh) is trained specifically in blood cancers. Treatment and transplant care are delivered through Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. See related pages for bone marrow transplant, lymphoma and leukemia, and our cancer services.

Support for patients and families

A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, and practical support matters as much as medical treatment. Our patient support resources help you prepare for consultations and understand each step, while our financial guidance can help you understand treatment costs and the insurance or assistance options that may be available.

You can find more guidance and checklists in our patient resources section. Patients travelling from outside Hyderabad or from abroad usually begin with an online consultation before continuing in person — see our international patients page for how this is coordinated.

Frequently asked questions

Can myeloma be cured?

Myeloma is generally not cured, but it is highly treatable. Many patients achieve deep, long remissions and live well for many years with modern treatment.

Will I need a transplant?

Many suitable patients benefit from an autologous stem cell transplant after initial treatment. Whether it is right for you depends on age, fitness and response.

What about my bones and kidneys?

Protecting the bones and kidneys is central to myeloma care, with specific medicines and monitoring alongside anti-myeloma treatment.

Who supervises my treatment?

Dr. Harish Kancharla, DM (Medical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi), MD (Internal Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh), a hemato-oncologist, plans and reviews your treatment personally.