When is radiotherapy recommended for multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma can weaken bones and create lesions in particular places. A carefully planned radiation dose can target one of these areas to reduce pain and help control local tumour activity. It is usually considered as part of a broader plan that may also include medicines treating myeloma throughout the body.

The radiation team plans the treatment around the affected bone and nearby organs. The number of sessions depends on the purpose of treatment, the location, your symptoms, and your general health. Radiotherapy does not repair a fracture that has already occurred, so an orthopaedic or spinal assessment may be needed when a bone is unstable.

Tell your haematology team where pain is located, whether it is worsening, and whether movement, coughing, or lying down changes it. Mention weakness, numbness, balance changes, or difficulty walking. Your team may review scans, blood results, previous treatments, and medicines before recommending a target and schedule.

During planning, ask how the treated area may affect daily activities and whether you need help with positioning. Continue prescribed medicines unless your team changes them. Keep a record of pain relief, new symptoms, and any difficulty moving so the team can adjust supportive care.

Seek urgent medical help for new severe back or neck pain, sudden weakness, numbness spreading into the limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or an inability to stand or walk. These symptoms can signal pressure on the spinal cord or a fracture and need prompt assessment.

Ask which bone or tissue is being treated, what goal the radiation has, how it fits with systemic myeloma treatment, what side effects are expected, and whom to contact if pain or movement changes before the appointment.