Multiple Myeloma Radiation Treatment

As a treatment for multiple myeloma, radiation treatment uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. When radiation treatment is used to treat multiple myeloma, it may be administered locally (to a part of the body where myeloma cells have collected) or to the whole body (known as total-body radiation). Side effects of multiple myeloma radiation treatment may include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Radiation treatments may also cause the skin in the treated area to become red, dry, and tender.

 

Multiple Myeloma Radiation Treatment: An Overview

Multiple myeloma radiation treatment uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. When used to treat multiple myeloma, radiation treatment can be administered locally or to the whole body. In local radiation, a large machine aims radiation at the bone or the part of the body where myeloma cells have collected. Local radiation is called local therapy because it only affects cells in the treated area. In total-body radiation patients receive radiation to their whole body before stem cell transplantation. The radiation treatments may be given two to three times a day for several days.
 

Side Effects of Multiple Myeloma Radiation Treatment

Side effects of multiple myeloma radiation treatment will depend on the dose of radiation and the part of your body that is treated. Side effects may include nausea and diarrhea. Skin in the treated area may also become red, dry, and tender. Although patients are likely to become very tired during radiation treatment for multiple myeloma, doctors usually advise patients to stay as active as they can. Side effects of radiation therapy can usually be treated or controlled and will usually go away after treatment ends.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD