Dr. Sertaç Durusoy warns of multiple myeloma in persistent bone pain

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic cancer caused by uncontrolled growth of plasma cells, which can damage bone marrow, kidneys and other organs. Dr. Sertaç Durusoy, a hematology specialist at Medicana Bursa Hospital, stresses that the disease is more common in older adults and that early diagnosis is crucial to prevent organ damage.

He notes that typical signs include persistent bone pain, especially in the back, easy fractures, fatigue from anemia, kidney function decline, high blood calcium and recurrent infections. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a comprehensive diagnostic work‑up is required, involving complete blood counts, kidney tests, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light‑chain analysis, bone‑marrow biopsy and imaging studies.

Durusoy adds that recent therapeutic advances have expanded options beyond conventional chemotherapy. Current standard treatments now incorporate proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies and, for suitable patients, autologous stem‑cell transplantation.