Plasma Cell Disorders

Here is how Winship exceeds patient expectations:

• Access to award-winning physicians. Winship physicians rank among the top hematology experts in the world.
• Individualized treatment plan. We offer you a comprehensive treatment plan customized for your disease by giving you access to genetic testing, molecular sequencing and expert assessment. Your treatment plan will be personalized to you and your needs. Learn more about treatment options. [LINK]
• Latest treatment options. At Winship, you have access to the latest clinical trials and studies in plasma cell diseases. Talk with your hematologist about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Learn more about clinical trials [LINK].
• Access to Winship's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program. At Winship, patients have access to the largest and oldest Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplant program in Georgia. Our experts originated many of these new stem cell transplantation practices and therapies, so you know you're getting the latest, most effective treatments available.

Abnormal plasma cell activity can lead to multiple myeloma, a rare but serious cancer in which malignant plasma cells are found in the bone marrow. As Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we take a multidisciplinary approach to plasma cell disorder treatment.

There are multiple plasma cell diseases that are characterized by their abnormal plasma cell activity. These disorders can be precursors to multiple myeloma. Winship has a team of hematology experts who treat every kind of plasma cell disorder, including:

• Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis — Proteins produced by cancerous plasma cells take a particular form that allows them to be deposited into various organs, like the kidneys, heart and others, causing damage.
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) — While MGUS isn’t a form of cancer, it is considered pre-cancerous because it can lead to cancers like multiple myeloma and lymphoma.
• Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) — This condition encompasses a variety of kidney diseases in which there is an abnormal level of protein in the blood, leading to kidney failure.
• Smoldering myeloma (SMM) — An early form of myeloma that does not cause any symptoms or problems. It usually progresses very slowly over time but should be closely monitored for any signs of active myeloma.
• Cryoglobulinemia — A plasma cell disorder in which clumps of protein in the blood can hinder blood circulation, resulting in damage to the skin, joints, nerves and organs, specifically the liver and kidneys.
• POEMS syndrome (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy & Skin changes) — A rare disorder that can cause weakness, nerve pain and burning sensations in the hands and feet.

MGUS, smoldering myeloma and high-risk myeloma are precancerous conditions that can become multiple myeloma. Visit our multiple myeloma page to learn about treatment options and meet our world-renowned team of specialists.

Due to the differing types of plasma cell disorders, a variety of tests are used to diagnose specific blood disorders. These techniques might include:

• Physical exam: During this physical exam, your doctor will also go over your complete medical history.
• Blood tests: Tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests. A CBC measures the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood. A blood chemistry test measures the levels of creatinine, albumin, calcium and other electrolytes in the blood.
• Urine test. A urine sample can be helpful to detect the amount of myeloma protein that has been filtered by the kidneys.
• Advanced imaging: Imaging tests use a variety of advanced techniques (sound waves, X-rays, magnetic fields and radioactive substances) to create detailed images of the inside of your body.
• Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy extracts a tissue sample of bone marrow to test it for high levels of plasma cells. The sample is then analyzed by a bone marrow specialist.

Innovative research and clinical trials at Winship are uncovering more efficient, highly targeted drugs and individualized therapies for plasma cell diseases. Your treatment options will be tailored to the diagnosis of your specific type of disorder, and the exact course of treatment may vary from person to person. In most patients, one or a combination of the following methods will be used:

Targeted Drugs and Combination Therapies

Various drugs are used to treat your condition by directly targeting the abnormal cells in your body. At Winship, we have pioneered the use of these drugs in combination with front-line therapies.

Immunotherapy

This type of treatment uses drugs to help your body’s immune system better recognize and enhance its ability to attack abnormal cells.

Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation

This treatment destroys diseased bone marrow cells by using high doses of chemotherapy and at times, radiotherapy, then replaces them with healthy bone marrow or stem cells to help patients regain a new and healthy immune system. Winship has pioneered many advances in bone marrow transplant procedures and drugs.