Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma or Kahler’s disease,
is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are
responsible for producing different antibodies against infections to which the
body is exposed. Myeloma features an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in
the bone marrow, causing destructive bone lesions, and producing an abnormal
protein known as monoclonal antibody or M protein. Common symptoms include
anemia, fatigue, weight loss and weakness, unexplained fever, bleeding, bone
pain and bone tenderness, hypercalcemia, fractures, kidney disease, nerve
pains, enlarged tongue, skin lesions, and an increased susceptibility to
infections.
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is as yet unknown;
however, it is believed that exposure to chemicals, radiation, and viruses;
immune disorders; and a family or genetic history, may cause or trigger the
disease. This condition is usually seen in middle and old age. A detailed
medical history and clinical examination, coupled with multiple blood and urine
tests, along with x-ray and bone marrow tests may be required for a confirmed
diagnosis of myeloma.
Based upon the severity, the disease is usually divided into
three stages and has a median survival of about three years; however, there may
be wide variations, depending upon the disease severity, immune status of the patient,
and the response to treatment. Although there is presently no cure for this
disease, a combination of treatments can help achieve a prolonged remission.
Treatment includes immune-modulators, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, stem
cell transplant, blood transfusions, and plasmapheresis.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used concurrently with
modern treatment in order to bring about a complete remission of the disease
and prevent a relapse. In order to reverse the basic pathophysiology of the
disease, herbal medicines are given to neutralize and remove the malignant
plasma cells and help the bone marrow produce normal blood precursors. The
deposition of abnormal protein causes damage in various organs, and this needs
to be treated separately. Kidney damage can be reversed completely if treated
with herbs at early detection. Nerve damage and neuropathy has to be treated
with herbal medicines which act on the central nervous system as well as on
peripheral nerve endings. Medicines which act on the blood tissue need to be
given on order to treat anemia, abnormal bleeding, and skin rashes.
Other herbs are added to help treat bone pain, reduce
crowding of plasma cells in bone, prevent fractures, and bring about healing of
bone lesions. Severe bone pain is a typical feature of advanced disease. Highly
aggressive treatment is required in order to provide relief from bone pain,
bone tenderness and prevent fractures. Sometimes, a special Ayurvedic Panchkarma
procedure known as Tikta-Ksheer basti is needed. In this procedure, several courses
of enemas of medicated oils and medicated milk are given to help ease off bone
lesions.
Immune modulation is an important part of treatment to help
prevent severe infections. For multiple myeloma, Ayurvedic herbo-mineral drugs,
known as Rasayanas, are used judiciously with maximum impact in reversing most
of the symptoms and signs of this condition. It is important to choose one or several
Rasayanas which regulate blood and bone marrow metabolism, modulate immunity, reverse
weakness and weight loss, and also treat anemia and low grade fever. At the
same time, these medicines should be well tolerated by the patient and should
not have any adverse effects on important body organs like the kidneys, liver
and heart.
Once a patient achieves remission, it is important to
gradually taper off the treatment while continuing a few important medicines so
as to prevent a relapse. Blood and urine tests are used to monitor for a relapse.
With a combination of modern and Ayurvedic treatment, most patients having
multiple myeloma achieve remission within 12 to 18 months. In order to prevent
a relapse, they need low dose medications and monitoring for at least 5 years.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used in
combination with modern treatment to successfully manage and treat multiple
myeloma.
