What Causes Multiple Myeloma? Exploring Genetic and Environmental Factors

Understanding the question, “What Is Multiple Myeloma?’’ is essential.  Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer originating in plasma cells—specialized white blood cells in the bone marrow. These cells play a vital role in the immune system by producing antibodies against infections. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells multiply unchecked, displacing healthy cells and impairing normal blood and immune functions.

Though treatments and outcomes have improved over time, the exact causes of multiple myeloma are still being studied. Risk increases due to the interplay between inherited genetics and environmental factors. This article explores the key causes of multiple myeloma, the known risk factors, and how understanding these aspects may improve prevention and treatment strategies.

Understanding the Basics: What Causes Multiple Myeloma?

Understanding Multiple Myeloma: An Introduction to the Disease, is a helpful resource for newly diagnosed patients seeking clear and accessible information about their condition. Many people ask, “What causes multiple myeloma?” There is no known cause; multiple myeloma is thought to arise from a complex interaction of genetic mutations and environmental factors that interfere with normal plasma cell development and function.

Under normal conditions, plasma cells help protect the body by producing infection-fighting antibodies. However, in multiple myeloma, mutations in these cells cause them to multiply uncontrollably, resulting in cancer. These cancerous plasma cells often produce abnormal proteins (monoclonal proteins or M-proteins), which can accumulate in the body and damage organs such as the kidneys and bones.

Genetic Mutations

Multiple myeloma is often preceded by a condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), where abnormal plasma cells are present but symptoms are absent. While not all MGUS cases evolve into multiple myeloma, they are viewed as an early indicator.

Genetic changes, such as chromosomal translocations (where pieces of DNA switch places) and deletions, are commonly found in patients with multiple myeloma. These modifications can activate cancer-promoting oncogenes or deactivate genes that suppress tumors, leading to cancer formation.

Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors: Who Is More Vulnerable?

Although multiple myeloma causes and risk factors are not fully understood, several have been identified that may increase the risk of developing the disease. Certain risk factors can be addressed, but others lie beyond control. Key multiple myeloma risk factors include:

• Age: The risk rises notably as age advances, with most patients receiving a diagnosis after age 60.
• Gender:Multiple myeloma is more common among men than women.
• Race and Ethnicity: African Americans have roughly twice the risk of multiple myeloma compared to Caucasians. The reason for this is not yet fully known, though genetic susceptibility is being studied.
• Family History: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, diagnosed with multiple myeloma or MGUS may raise an individual’s risk.
• Obesity: Evidence shows that individuals who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.
• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to high levels of radiation, including atomic bomb radiation or prolonged medical radiation, is linked with an increased risk.
• Occupational and Chemical Exposures: Specific chemical exposures, including benzene (present in petroleum products) and pesticides, have been linked as possible factors in multiple myeloma. Workers in agriculture, oil refining, and rubber manufacturing may experience an increased risk.
• Chronic Inflammation or Immune Disorders: Conditions that cause long-term immune system stimulation may contribute to plasma cell changes over time.

These multiple myeloma risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop the disease, but highlight populations that may benefit from closer monitoring.

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers: Possible Causes of Multiple Myeloma

While genetics plays a role in myeloma development, environmental and lifestyle elements are considered possible causes of multiple myeloma, particularly when combined with existing genetic vulnerabilities. 

Environmental triggers:

• Chemical Exposure: Certain chemicals, especially industrial solvents and herbicides, have been linked to multiple myeloma in occupational studies.
• Radiation: High-dose radiation can lead to DNA damage in bone marrow cells, increasing cancer risk.
• Chronic Infections: Prolonged infections may contribute to continuous immune system activation, a factor in multiple myeloma development.

Lifestyle influences:

• Obesity: Excess body fat increases inflammatory markers and hormones that may support cancer cell growth.
• Poor Diet: Though not a direct cause, a diet low in antioxidants and fiber may impair immune function and DNA repair mechanisms.
• Lack of Physical Activity: Physical inactivity often contributes to obesity and ongoing inflammation, both tied to cancer development.

These triggers do not act independently but often in tandem with a person’s genetic background, making it difficult to isolate a singular cause.

Prognosis and Survival: How Cause Relates to Outcome

Understanding what causes multiple myeloma helps in prevention and influences how doctors approach treatment and predict outcomes. While early detection plays a vital role, the disease’s underlying cause and genetic makeup also impact survival rates.

The question “What Causes Multiple Myeloma Survival Rate?” has several factors that influence it, including:

• Stage at Diagnosis: Early-stage diagnosis generally leads to better outcomes.
• Genetic Profile: Some genetic mutations are associated with more aggressive forms.
• Response to Treatment: Patient outcomes largely depend on the response to the initial treatment.
• Presence of Other Conditions: Coexisting health issues can complicate treatment and recovery.

Survival by Stage

• Stage I: Patients with early-stage disease and no significant organ damage may live 8–10 years or longer with treatment.
• Stage II: Survival time depends on additional risk factors but typically ranges from 5–7 years.
• Stage III: Advanced disease is more challenging to manage, with a median survival of 3–5 years depending on treatment response and age.

Despite these numbers, advances in immunotherapy, stem cell transplants, and targeted drugs have significantly improved the multiple myeloma survival rate over the past decade.

Looking Ahead: Prevention and Future Research

Although multiple myeloma cannot yet be entirely prevented, ongoing research into its causes and risk factors is helping identify individuals at risk and develop strategies for early intervention. Screening those with multiple myeloma risk factors, such as family history or MGUS, could enable earlier diagnosis and more personalized care. Promising areas of research:

• Genomic Profiling: Analyzing the specific mutations in a person’s cancer cells may lead to targeted therapies.
• Environmental Studies: Ongoing research explores how lifestyle and occupational exposures influence cancer risk.
• Immunoprevention: Scientists are examining how immune-based therapies could be used to prevent MGUS from progressing to multiple myeloma.

A deeper understanding of what causes multiple myeloma allows for more effective intervention before symptoms appear and improves outcomes once they do.

Multiple myeloma is a complex and multifactorial disease, with genetic and environmental influences playing a role in its development. Although not all answers to “what causes multiple myeloma” are known, ongoing research continues to shed light on the condition’s origins and pathways.

Many possible causes of multiple myeloma have been identified, from genetic mutations and immune dysfunction to chemical exposures and obesity. By understanding these multiple myeloma causes and risk factors, better support for early detection, development of targeted treatments, and improved survival outcomes are possible through ongoing advancements.

If a family history of myeloma or unexplained symptoms arises, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for risk assessment and monitoring. Being well-informed improves one’s preparedness to face this disease with hope and clarity. See how Massive Bio supports patients at every stage, turning innovation into hope through accessible cancer care and personalized solutions.

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-myeloma/multiple-myeloma-risk-factors

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6178-multiple-myeloma