Multiple Myeloma (Myeloma Kidney)
What is Multiple Myeloma (Myeloma Kidney)?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that develops in your bone marrow. Plasma cells are white blood cells that normally make antibodies to fight infections. When these cells become cancerous, they multiply out of control and produce abnormal proteins instead of helpful antibodies.
Myeloma kidney refers to kidney damage caused by multiple myeloma. The abnormal proteins made by cancer cells can clog and damage the tiny filters in your kidneys. These proteins, called light chains or Bence Jones proteins, build up in your bloodstream and pass into your urine. Over time, this protein overload can cause your kidneys to stop working properly.
Kidney problems affect about half of people with multiple myeloma at some point. Early detection through urine protein testing can help catch kidney damage before it becomes severe. Finding and monitoring these abnormal proteins is a key part of understanding how myeloma affects your body.
Symptoms
- Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips
- Fatigue and weakness that does not improve with rest
- Frequent infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Confusion or mental fogginess
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Constipation
- Foamy or bubbly urine from protein buildup
- Swelling in legs or ankles
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of multiple myeloma. The condition is sometimes found by accident during routine blood work or urine tests. Kidney-related symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred.
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Causes and risk factors
Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells in your bone marrow undergo genetic changes that make them grow abnormally. Scientists do not know exactly what triggers these changes. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most cases occurring in people over 65. Men develop myeloma slightly more often than women. Black Americans have about twice the risk compared to white Americans.
Having a condition called MGUS, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, raises your risk. About 1% of people with MGUS develop myeloma each year. Family history also plays a role, with higher risk if a close relative had myeloma. Obesity and exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides or benzene may increase risk. However, most people with these risk factors never develop myeloma.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose multiple myeloma and kidney involvement through several tests. Urine protein testing is essential because it detects the abnormal light chain proteins that damage kidneys. Standard urine dipstick tests may miss these specific proteins, so specialized testing is needed. Blood tests measure calcium levels, kidney function, and look for abnormal antibodies. Bone marrow biopsy confirms the presence of cancerous plasma cells.
Rite Aid offers urine protein testing that can help detect protein in your urine, which may indicate kidney involvement in myeloma. Regular monitoring of protein levels helps doctors track disease progression and treatment response. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans show bone damage. Your doctor combines results from all these tests to stage the myeloma and plan treatment.
Treatment options
- Targeted therapy drugs that attack myeloma cells specifically
- Immunotherapy medications that help your immune system fight cancer
- Chemotherapy to kill rapidly growing cancer cells
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control myeloma
- Stem cell transplant for eligible patients to rebuild healthy bone marrow
- Radiation therapy for bone pain or tumors in specific areas
- Dialysis if kidney function becomes severely impaired
- Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water daily to help flush proteins through kidneys
- Avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen that can further damage kidneys
- Working with a nephrologist, or kidney specialist, to protect kidney function
- Eating adequate protein but not excessive amounts
- Managing calcium levels through diet and medications
Concerned about Multiple Myeloma (Myeloma Kidney)? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Multiple myeloma is the cancer itself, affecting plasma cells in your bone marrow. Myeloma kidney describes the kidney damage that happens when abnormal proteins from myeloma clog the kidney filters. Not everyone with myeloma develops kidney problems, but about half experience some degree of kidney involvement. The abnormal proteins are what connect the cancer to kidney damage.
Multiple myeloma is generally considered treatable but not curable with current treatments. Many people achieve remission, meaning the cancer becomes undetectable for months or years. Treatment advances have dramatically improved survival, with many patients living 10 years or more. The goal is to control the disease, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
Urine protein testing detects abnormal light chain proteins that myeloma cells produce. These Bence Jones proteins appear in urine before kidney damage becomes severe. Regular testing helps doctors monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness. High protein levels indicate more active disease or worsening kidney function.
Bence Jones proteins are abnormal antibody fragments produced by cancerous plasma cells in multiple myeloma. These light chain proteins are small enough to pass through kidney filters into urine. They can clump together and block the tiny tubes in your kidneys, causing damage. Standard urine tests may miss them, so specific testing is needed.
Some kidney damage from myeloma can improve with treatment, especially if caught early. Treating the myeloma reduces the production of harmful proteins, giving kidneys a chance to recover. About half of patients see kidney function improve with cancer treatment and supportive care. Severe or long-standing damage may be permanent and require ongoing kidney support.
Testing frequency depends on your disease stage and treatment plan. Most patients need blood and urine tests every 4 to 8 weeks during active treatment. After achieving remission, testing may occur every 3 to 6 months. Your oncologist will create a monitoring schedule based on your individual situation and risk factors.
Staying well hydrated is the most important step, aiming for 2 to 3 liters of water daily. Avoid medications that stress kidneys, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Limit salt intake to reduce blood pressure. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise as your energy allows to support overall health.
There is no proven way to prevent MGUS from progressing to myeloma. Regular monitoring with blood and urine tests helps catch any progression early. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce risk, as obesity is linked to higher myeloma rates. Focus on early detection rather than prevention, since most people with MGUS never develop myeloma.
Foamy or bubbly urine indicates high protein levels passing into your urine. This happens when abnormal light chain proteins from myeloma cells overwhelm your kidney filters. The foam is similar to what you see when beating egg whites. It is a sign that your kidneys are struggling and you should contact your doctor.
Yes, working with a nephrologist is important when myeloma affects your kidneys. These kidney specialists help manage kidney function and prevent further damage. They work alongside your oncologist to balance cancer treatment with kidney protection. A nephrologist can also provide dialysis if kidney function drops too low.