Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease .It is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, collections of abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Bisphosphonate treatment is often started along with chemo. If the areas of damaged bone continue to cause symptoms, radiation therapy may be used.

From mortality and population data provided by INSERM and INSEE, we have determined the mortality rate of multiple myeloma--uncorrected, specific and standardized rates--which have enabled to conduct an epidemiological, demographic, geographic and chronological study. The demographic study done in 1981-1982, confirms that the incidence of multiple myeloma is linked to ageing and that it is higher in men.