Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the immune system. The major problem associated with this condition is the accumulation of cancer cells within the bone marrow, which interfere with red blood cell production and also cause bone loss. This is a complicated condition with many symptoms associated with the disease itself, but also many symptoms associated with the treatments:

Symptoms associated with Multiple Myeloma

• Elevated blood calcium (many associated symptoms)
• Bone pain and bone lesions
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Kidney Failure
• Neurological Symptoms

Symptoms associated with Multiple Myeloma treatment

• lung and kidney Infections (dexamethasone)
• Peripheral Neuropathy (bortezomib)
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw (bisphosphonate)
• Deep Venous Thrombosis (thalidomide lenalidomide)
• Pulmonary Embolism (thalidomide lenalidomide)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (lenalidomide)

How can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) help with Multiple Myeloma?

1. HBOT is an approved treatment by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) for blood loss anemia. Anemic people who experience a hyperbaric session experience an immediate improvement in energy levels and wellbeing. Delivery of oxygen to the tissues is dependent on red blood cells, unless you are in a hyperbaric chamber.
   
2. A 2006 study titled Apoptosis of T-leukemia and B-myeloma cancer cells induced by hyperbaric oxygen increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, suggests that HBOT can initiate programmed cell death in human Multiple Myeloma cells. This mechanism of action has been more extensively studied in human Leukemia cells. See our Cancer page for more info.
3. HBOT has documented anti-inflammatory and anti-pain effects.
4. A recently studied benefit of HBOT in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma is the increase in stem cell circulation used in bone marrow transplant harvesting. A 20 session HBOT schedule has been shown to increase stem cell circulation by 800%. This is a valuable complement to the bone marrow transplant procedure used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. 

• 2012 - Hyperbaric oxgygen therapy for hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection in poor mobilizers.
• 2011- The Myeloma Beacon article titled Stem Cell Collection and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by Lori Puente

How can HBOT help with the symptoms associated with Multiple Myeloma treatment?

1. Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (BRONJ) has a growing body of scientific evidence supporting HBOT as an adjunctive treatment.
   
2. HBOT has an established role in the treatment of infections, and is an approved treatment for many bacterial diseases.
3. Peripheral Neuropathy has been reported to respond well to HBOT.

more info soon....