On this page
- Quick facts about multiple myeloma
- What is multiple myeloma
- Main types of multiple myeloma
- Early signs to watch for
- What causes multiple myeloma and who is at risk
- How we diagnose multiple myeloma
- Stages of multiple myeloma, explained simply
- Treatment options at VICI Healthcare
- Why chemotherapy is used this way
- What a day at VICI Healthcare looks like
- Cost of treatment in India
- Our doctors
- Our centers
- Why modern myeloma care works better
- Is this treatment right for you
- Side effects you should know about
- What our patients say
- Patient stories
- Questions patients ask us
- Medically reviewed by
Quick facts about multiple myeloma
- Early detection significantly improves outcomes
- Treatment depends on stage, type, and your health
- VICI Healthcare offers daycare treatment with minimal disruption to your life
- Modern techniques reduce side effects and hospital stays
What is multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells live in the bone marrow and normally make antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, one plasma cell turns abnormal and copies itself over and over, until the marrow is crowded with clones of that one cell. These clones make a single useless antibody, called an M-protein or paraprotein, in huge amounts. The marrow loses room for healthy blood cells, the bones weaken, and the kidneys struggle.
Main types of multiple myeloma
Understanding the specific type of your cancer helps guide the right treatment approach. Your pathology report will identify which type you have.
Early signs to watch for
If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, speak with your doctor:
- Bone pain, especially back or ribs
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Kidney problems
- High calcium or recurring infections
- Fractures from minor falls
- Bleeding or nosebleeds
- Foamy or dark urine
What causes multiple myeloma and who is at risk
Risk factors for multiple myeloma vary, but understanding them helps with prevention and early detection. Age is the strongest risk, with most cases after fifty. Family history and prior MGUS also raise risk.
How we diagnose multiple myeloma
Diagnosis involves a sequence of tests to confirm the disease and understand its extent:
- Blood tests: serum protein electrophoresis, free light chain assay
- 24-hour urine for Bence Jones protein
- Bone marrow biopsy with cytogenetics and FISH
- Imaging: CT or MRI for bone lesions
- Renal function testing
Stages of multiple myeloma, explained simply
Myeloma uses the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), not TNM. The stages depend on beta-2 microglobulin, albumin, and cytogenetics.
| R-ISS Stage | Key features | Typical outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Low beta-2, high albumin, standard risk | Longer median survival, often years |
| Stage II | Intermediate features | Variable, depends on other factors |
| Stage III | High beta-2 or high-risk cytogenetics | Shorter median survival without intensive therapy |
Treatment options at VICI Healthcare
Your treatment is tailored to your stage, type, age and overall health. Treatment is a long-term commitment with many drugs, most used in sequence.
Induction therapy
VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) or Dara-VRd (adding daratumumab) are standard first-line regimens, given for 4 to 6 cycles before transplant.
Stem cell transplantation
For fit patients, autologous (using your own cells) transplant after induction is the backbone. The procedure uses high-dose melphalan and a 3-week inpatient stay.
Maintenance therapy
Lenalidomide given continuously after transplant extends progression-free survival. Taken orally at home for months to years.
Relapse therapy
Many options are available when the disease returns: carfilzomib, pomalidomide, isatuximab, CAR-T therapy, and bispecific antibodies like teclistamab.
Why chemotherapy is used this way
Induction chemotherapy shrinks the disease, allowing safer stem cell collection. Transplant then eliminates even more myeloma cells. Maintenance prevents early relapse. This sequence has dramatically improved survival.
What a day at VICI Healthcare looks like
- Arrival (8:30 AM) – Check in and basic vitals
- Pre-treatment (9:00 AM) – Blood work, review of blood counts and renal function
- Doctor consultation (9:30 AM) – Brief check-in with your haematologist
- Treatment (10:00 AM) – Infusion of induction drugs (VRd or Dara-VRd) in comfortable chair
- Observation (12:30 PM) – Rest and monitor for reactions
- Discharge (1:30 PM) – Go home with supportive care medications
Cost of treatment in India
Myeloma is expensive because treatment spans years. These are realistic ranges for a patient going through induction, transplant, and maintenance at a private centre in an Indian metro.
| Phase | Treatment | Typical range (₹) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction (VRd) | 4-6 cycles outpatient | 3-7 lakhs | 4-6 months |
| Induction (Dara-VRd) | 4-6 cycles with daratumumab | 10-18 lakhs | 4-6 months |
| Transplant | Mobilization, harvest, melphalan, 3-week admission | 10-18 lakhs | 3-4 weeks |
| Maintenance (lenalidomide) | Monthly oral therapy | 6,000-18,000 per month | Years |
Insurance covers much of this if you have a policy. Call us for a written estimate matched to your exact case.
Our doctors
Our team of haematologists and support staff bring years of myeloma expertise and deep compassion to every patient.
Our centers
VICI Healthcare operates daycare centers across major Indian metros, with beds reserved for transplant admissions. Bring world-class haematology care to your city.
Why modern myeloma care works better
Compared to older treatments, induction + transplant + maintenance has changed myeloma from a death sentence to a chronic disease many patients live with for a decade or more. Newer drugs (CAR-T, bispecifics) are improving outcomes further.
Is this treatment right for you
Transplant eligibility depends mainly on age and general health, not disease severity. We assess your fitness in the first month and discuss options honestly.
Side effects you should know about
Induction causes low counts, nausea, and sometimes neuropathy (tingling hands and feet) with bortezomib. Transplant causes temporary mucositis and hair thinning. All are manageable with support.
- Low blood counts – transfusions and growth factors prevent infections
- Nausea – good antiemetics now prevent this in most patients
- Neuropathy – reduced with subcutaneous bortezomib (preferred)
- Hair loss – temporary with melphalan, regrows within months
- Fatigue – improves between cycles, plan around it
What our patients say
Patients tell us that having a clear plan, knowing what to expect, and feeling like the team knows myeloma makes all the difference. The hope that comes from newer drugs changing outcomes is real.
Patient stories
Real stories from patients who have walked this road. Coming soon: video testimonials from VICI Healthcare myeloma patients and their families.
Questions patients ask us
Is the transplant from a donor
No, in myeloma we almost always use your own stem cells. Donor transplant is reserved for very select cases because of the risks.
Will I lose my hair
Hair thinning is common with high-dose melphalan during transplant. Hair grows back within a few months. Induction drugs usually do not cause complete hair loss.
Is myeloma curable
A small number of patients achieve very long remissions. For most patients, myeloma is controllable for many years, often a decade or more with newer drugs. We will be honest about what your numbers mean.
Why do I keep getting infections
Healthy antibodies are low because the marrow is busy making the wrong antibody. Vaccinations, immunoglobulin replacement, and prophylactic antibiotics help prevent infections.
Can I work during treatment
Many patients on maintenance lenalidomide work full time. Induction cycles and the transplant admission are harder. Plan a few months of reduced work around transplant.
Why is my back hurting so much
Myeloma weakens vertebrae, and small movements can cause collapse. Radiation, vertebroplasty, and bone-strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates, denosumab) bring the pain down.
Will I need dialysis
Some patients arrive in kidney failure and need dialysis at first. With fast treatment of the myeloma, kidney function can recover in a meaningful share of cases, especially with bortezomib.
What is M-protein
It is the abnormal antibody myeloma cells make. We measure it on every visit because it tells us how the disease is responding to treatment.
Is CAR-T available in India
Yes, at a small number of centres. Indian-developed CAR-T products are now available and costs are dropping. We can refer you if you are eligible.
Do I need to change my diet
No special myeloma diet. Adequate protein, hydration, and care with raw foods during immune-low periods. A dietitian will see you on the first visit.
Can I travel
Yes, between cycles. During the transplant admission, no. We will plan around important events with you when possible.
What about second opinions
We encourage them. Myeloma treatment is complex and a second opinion is part of normal practice, not a sign of doubt.
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This page is reviewed regularly by our medical team to ensure current accuracy. Last reviewed: April 2026.