Between 1975 and 2003, the incidence of myeloma. has increased 8% and death from the disease has increased 28%, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

It is more likely to affect people who are 55 or older, Americans of African descent and men than women. Myeloma remains the most difficult blood cancer to treat successfully.

Myeloma affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found primarily in the bone marrow. As these cells grow out of control in the bone marrow, they destroy normal bone tissue and push out normal blood cell production.

Myeloma is a rare cancer normally seen in people over 40 years old. Its causes and risk factors are not known at this time.

There is currently no cure for myeloma. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and slowing down the progress of the disease. Options include:

• Radiation. High-dose X-rays can relieve severe bone pain.
• Antibiotics. These medications combat anemia, high calcium levels and high levels of uric acid in the blood.
• Chemotherapy. This treatment kills abnormal plasma cells and helps slow the progress of the condition. For those responding well to anti-cancer drugs, the drug interferon may help make the response last longer.
• Blood and marrow transplantation. Stem cells are collected from the blood or bone marrow before treatment begins. These cells are then returned to the patient after treatment ends. Usually, this procedure is used on people younger than 50 years old.