Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that affects plasma cells, thus producing abnormal antibodies. It affects thousands of individuals across the globe, and if you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you should know about the treatment options and costs. UAE is now becoming an emerging destination for multiple myeloma treatment. Thus, multiple myeloma treatment cost in UAE are affordable with effective medical care.
Let’s learn more about multiple myeloma, treatment types, factors affecting its treatment cost, and recovery and follow-up care.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in UAE
The Bone Marrow Transplant is considered a potential and effective cure for severe multiple myeloma. Thus, multiple myeloma treatment cost in UAE ranges from 50,000 USD to 80,000 USD. This transplant will significantly improve the chances of recovery from multiple myeloma. The multiple myeloma treatment cost in UAE varies widely depending on the type of procedure, the location of the hospital, and many more factors.
Types of Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in UAE (specifically for bone marrow transplant)
- Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant: start from 45,000 USD.
- Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant: Range from start from 65,000 USD.
- Haplo-Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant: start from 42,000 USD.
- Syngeneic Bone Marrow Transplant (Rarest type): start from 46,000 USD.
Cost Comparison of Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in UAE
| Cities | Prices |
| Dubai | $45,000 to $80,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | $43,000 to $70,000 |
| Sharjah | $45,000 to $80,000 |
| Ajman | $42,000 to $80,000 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | $41,000 to $80,000 |
However, multiple myeloma treatment cost in India are comparatively more affordable than in any other country.
Do check out about Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in India.
What are the success rate and prognosis?
The success rate and prognosis for bone marrow transplants for multiple myeloma vary depending on the patient’s condition, age, compatibility of the donor, and overall health. Autologous bone marrow transplant has a higher success rate than allogenic bone marrow transplant.
Prognosis post-transplant varies, as patients may experience long-term remission or cure. Sometimes, patients may experience graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) which can impact your survival and overall health.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma (MM), also known as Kohler’s myeloma, is a rare type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells arise from B cells, which produce antibodies, thus considered crucial components of the immune system to fight infection. Multiple myeloma occurs when healthy plasma cells undergo a transformation into malignant cells that results in the production of M proteins. The overproduction of M proteins leads to various medical complications, such as:
- Blood cell production issue: Anemia (low red blood cells), leukopenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Bone Damage: Bone lesions, fractures, and bone pain
- Spinal cord compression
- Kidney dysfunction
- Hypercalcemia
There are various symptoms, like fatigue, infections, pain in the spine and chest, nausea and vomiting, constipation, frequent infection, and weakness associated with multiple myeloma. Based on the presence of symptoms, multiple myeloma is divided into 2 main types: smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) (without any symptoms or organ damage) and active multiple myeloma (symptoms or complications).
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 to assess for 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 multiple myeloma in any of the above diagnostics, then your doctor may advise you to have treatment according to your condition.
Types of Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma conditions in each patient will require a different treatment, but if the condition is severe, the doctor may advise you to get a bone marrow transplant. Multiple myeloma treatment cost in UAE are effective with new technologies.
Here are treatment options available for multiple myeloma:
Drugs therapy for multiple myeloma treatment:
- Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs with high doses are used to destroy the cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: This therapy is used to influence your immune system to kill the cancerous cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs are used to target specific genetic changes in your body
- Steroids: Corticosteroids are given along with chemotherapy to reduce nausea and vomiting feelings.
- Immunomodulators: Drugs used to kill and fight cancerous cells.
This is considered a temporary treatment to relieve your condition.
Radiotherapy
A high-frequency radiation beam, like x-rays, gamma rays, beta particles, etc., is given to kill or destroy cancerous cells.
CAR T-cell Therapy
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy is a therapy in which some of the white blood cells are taken from the patient, 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
The abnormal antibodies are removed that are produced by abnormal plasma cells; thus, it is a similar method as dialysis.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow is provided for those who have severe multiple myeloma, and if other types of treatment are not effective. Before a bone marrow transplant, either chemotherapy or radiation therapy is given to ensure that your condition is improving; if not, then your minimal residual disease (MRD) is estimated; if it comes negative, then only your doctor will provide you with a bone marrow transplant.
There are three types of bone marrow transplants available for multiple myeloma:
- Autologous bone marrow transplant
In this procedure, the patient’s own bone marrow is collected and stored before treatment, then reintroduced after the cancer treatment.
- Allogenic bone marrow transplant
The donor can be a relative or an unrelated individual, and the compatibility between donor and recipient is crucial for success.
- Syngenic bone marrow transplant
This is the rarest type, where bone marrow is donated by an identical twin. Since they share the same genetic material, the chances of rejection are significantly reduced.
Get more information about bone marrow transplants.
Factors Affecting Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in UAE
You can consider the following factors that can influence the multiple myeloma treatment cost in UAE.
- Type of Treatment
- Patient’s Condition
- Hospital Reputation & Location
- Diagnostic Tests
- Extended hospital stays due to some potential complications
- Flights, Medical visas (for international patients) and transportation to and from the hospital
- Accommodation
Recovery and Follow-up Care
If you have completed your multiple myeloma treatment, it is a crucial step to do regular follow-up care for complete recovery.
- To monitor for recurrence
- To access any side effects
- To evaluate the overall health
It is also important to look after psychological support during pre- and post-treatment care.
Benefits of Choosing Multiple Myeloma Treatment in India Over UAE
While UAE is considered an emerging destination for medical treatment, India remains a better option for multiple myeloma treatment. Here are some of the reasons why to choose India for multiple myeloma treatment:
- Expert medical professionals
- Advanced medical facilities
- Advanced treatment options
- Multilingual support
- Affordability
- Rich culture and Hospitality
Why Choose BMT Clinic?
If you’re exploring destinations for any type of cancer treatment, BMT Clinic, is a leading medical tourism company in India that is committed to providing medical assistance for your treatment. We provide,
- Expert medical teams
- Comprehensive care
- Affordable treatments options
- Medical Visa Assistance
- State-of-the-art-facilities
- Multilingual support
- Positive patient experience
At BMT Clinic, we will provide you guidance at every step of your treatment journey, making it smooth and effective.
