Does radiotherapy treat multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells and can involve several bones or other sites. Radiotherapy uses focused energy to damage myeloma cells in a selected treatment area. A team may consider it when a bone lesion causes persistent pain, threatens the strength of a bone, or presses on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Because myeloma can be present beyond the treated area, medicines are often needed to manage the wider illness. The plan depends on scans, symptoms, blood results, previous treatment, and the location of the lesion.

Tell your haematology or oncology team where the pain is, whether movement has become difficult, and whether you have numbness or weakness. Ask whether imaging is needed to assess a fracture risk or pressure on nerves. Keep a record of pain medicines and any change in symptoms. Treatment planning may involve a radiation oncologist, who marks the target and protects nearby healthy tissue. Do not stop prescribed myeloma medicines without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, rapidly worsening back pain, inability to stand, or sudden severe bone pain after a minor movement. These symptoms can signal spinal cord pressure or a fracture and need prompt assessment. Fever, confusion, marked drowsiness, or repeated vomiting also warrants urgent contact with your treatment team.

Which lesion is radiotherapy intended to treat, and what improvement should we monitor? Would medicines, surgery, or a brace also be needed? How might radiotherapy fit around my current myeloma treatment? What side effects are most relevant for the treated bone or nearby organs?