An Overview of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler’s disease, is a type of blood cancer that targets plasma cells, which produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that primarily help fight infections that invade the body. Due to this, the abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone and marrow and thus halt the progression of other blood cells.
Some of the common symptoms of multiple myeloma include,
- Pain in the spine, chest, and hip
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Frequent Infection
- Weight loss, etc.
Thus, based on symptoms, Multiple myeloma has two main types: Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) (without any symptoms or organ damage) and Active Multiple Myeloma (symptoms or complications)
This can be life-threatening; thus, diagnosis and treatment are necessary as early as possible. The multiple myeloma treatment cost in Dubai depends upon various factors, such as the type of treatment and the condition of patients.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment cost in Dubai
Multiple myeloma treatment cost in Dubai range from 50,000 USD to 80,000 USD. The cost mentioned is for a bone marrow transplant, the most reliable treatment for the severe condition. A bone marrow transplant procedure involves replacing the damaged bone marrow cells with healthy ones.
Multiple myeloma treatment cost in India are significantly less expensive than in other countries, including Dubai. Thus, India can be considered the best option for treatment with state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Get more information about Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India.
Factors Influencing the Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in Dubai
Several factors can influence multiple myeloma treatment cost in Dubai. These include,
Types of Treatment: various treatments are available to help decrease the progression and eventually eliminate the symptoms. The treatment cost varies depending on the type of treatment. For example, a bone marrow transplant is a more expensive and effective treatment option than others.
The severity of disease: The severity of the disease and any comorbidities (any underlying disorder) can add to your overall cost.
Choice of hospitals: The choice of highly reputed and urban, geographically localized hospitals can cost you more for your multiple myeloma treatment.
Diagnostic and Medication: Multiple myeloma treatments include various diagnostic tests and expensive medication can influence your overall budget.
Additional Cost: While preparing your budget for multiple myeloma treatment, do consider the following points:
Consultations: you need to have an initial and follow-up consultation.
Hospitalization: The cost varies depending on the hospital stay, nursing care, and additional fees if any postoperative complications happen.
Travel and accommodation (International patients): This includes airfare, visa- fees, hotel accommodations and local transportation
Remember to include the above factors before preparing your budget for the multiple myeloma treatment.
Diagnosis for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma can be difficult to diagnose, as in the beginning there are no signs or symptoms. Thus, your doctor will do initial evaluations like bleeding, any signs of disease, or certain bone regeneration. If correctly estimated, then you will be referred to a hematologist.
There are certain tests to diagnose multiple myeloma, such as
- Complete Blood Test: To confirm the number of blood cells
- Urine Test: To confirm abnormal proteins generated by plasma cells
- Imaging Tests such as CT scan, X-ray, MRI, and PET scan
- Electrophoresis: To estimate the quantity of immunoglobulin in the body
- Blood Calcium Levels
- Kidney Function Tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
If you are diagnosed with any of the above conditions, then your doctor may advise you to have treatment according to your condition.
Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma treatment is tailored based on the patient’s condition and response to therapy. There are several treatment options available for multiple myeloma, yet specific treatment is provided depending on various factors, such as
- Stage of the disease
- Patient’s overall health
- The specific genetic makeup of the cancer
Here are the treatments available for multiple myeloma
Chemotherapy: This is a primary treatment for multiple myeloma. Powerful drugs with high doses are given to the patients.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This therapy stimulates immune cells to fight with cancer cells. This is used to treat relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Targeted Therapy: Different drugs are used to block the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Bone Marrow Transplant: This procedure involves the replacement of diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow cells. It can be an allogenic (uses donor stem cells) or autologous (uses the patient’s stem cells) type of treatment. Before transplant, either chemotherapy or radiation therapy is given until the minimal residual disease (MRD) comes negative.
There are three types of bone marrow transplants available for multiple myeloma:
- Autologous bone marrow transplant uses the patient’s bone marrow
- Allogenic bone marrow transplant donors can be a relative or an unrelated individual. They should have compatibility between donor and recipient, which is crucial for success.
- Syngenic bone marrow transplant- bone marrow is donated by an identical twin.
Get more information about bone marrow transplants
CAR T-cell Therapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy is a method where some of the white blood cells are taken, including T-cells, and modified in the lab with the specific receptor that recognizes markers on the myeloma cells, thus helping the body to fight multiple myeloma.
Plasmapheresis: This method is similar to dialysis, where antibodies are removed and produced by abnormal plasma cells.
Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are used to target specific antigens on myeloma cells. This helps to destroy the cancer cells.
Steroids: Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of multiple myeloma to help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.
Nutrition and lifestyle changes
Multiple myeloma treatment also has supportive nutrition and lifestyle changes that can enhance recovery and overall well-being. Here are some of the points you need to take care of.
- Take a balanced diet
- Essential Nutrients like vitamins and minerals
- Take frequent, smaller meals
- Stay hydration
- Avoid your alcohol and tobacco
- Limit your processed foods and sugar
- Try to do stress management
- Do regular medical check-ups
Why Choose India over Other Countries for Multiple Myeloma Treatment?
India is known as a leading destination for medical tourism, especially for cancer treatment, including multiple myeloma. Here are some common reasons why you should consider India for your treatment:
- Affordable Treatment
- Advanced Medical Facilities
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Multilingual facilities
- Supportive Care and Hospitality
- Efficient Medical Tourism Services
If you are choosing India for your multiple myeloma treatment, you can get world-class medical care for multiple myeloma treatment at an affordable budget compared to many other countries.
How Can BMT Clinic Help You?
BMT Clinic is an emerging medical tourism company dedicated to providing medical assistance for treatment. The following are the reasons to consider BMT Clinic for your healthcare needs.
- Expert Medical Team
- Comprehensive Care
- Affordable Treatment Options
- Medical Visa Assistance
- State-of-the-Art-Facilities
- Multilingual support
- Positive Patient Experience
Whether you want treatment for any other medical condition, BMT Clinic is here to provide the comprehensive care you need for a healthier future.
