Rare blood cancer, multiple myeloma, has been diagnosed in Bruce Springsteen's wife, bringing attention to the illness.

In 2018, Patti Scialfa, who is married to Bruce Springsteen and a member of the E Street Band, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

In the documentary "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band," which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 8, she disclosed her illness.

The documentary offers a glimpse into the musician and his band's operations during their current tour.

Scialfa, 71, stated in the film that her illness affects her immune system, so she must be cautious about her choices and surroundings.

Occasionally, I attend a show and perform a few songs on stage, which has been a delight.

In 1984, Scialfa joined the E Street Band just before the "Born in the U.S.A." tour. She later married Springsteen in 1991 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Scialfa for comment.

What is multiple myeloma?

In the U.S., more than 35,000 individuals are diagnosed with multiple myeloma annually, as stated by the American Cancer Society.

Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, which has been referred to as a "factory."

According to Dr. Cristina Gasparetto, a hematologic oncologist and professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, in a healthy person, cells produce antibodies that target germs to combat infection.

The ACS states that myeloma occurs when plasma cells grow uncontrollably.

Abnormal antibodies are secreted in the blood, which can harm bones and organs.

Dr. Joseph Mikhael, chief medical officer of the International Myeloma Foundation in California, explained to Planet Chronicle Digital that the disease is called "multiple" because it often occurs in multiple patches or areas of the bone.

Symptoms of the disease

Mikhael stated that the symptoms of myeloma are mostly general, with the top three being excessive fatigue, bone pain, and anemia.

Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

High calcium levels in the blood, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone destruction are the most common symptoms, according to experts.

The top three symptoms of the disease are excessive fatigue, bone pain and anemia, experts say.

Gasparetto stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that bone pain is a characteristic symptom of the disease, as myeloma cells can grow within bones and potentially cause high levels of calcium in the blood.

"High calcium levels can manifest as increased thirst, dehydration, fatigue, muscle pain, and sometimes confusion," she stated.

The kidneys eliminate the antibodies produced by myeloma cells, which can lead to obstruction and/or damage to the organs.

Gasparetto stated that the patient would observe foamy urine because of the presence of an excessive amount of an abnormal protein called Bence-Jones proteinuria.

Methods of diagnosis

Experts informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the initial step typically involves administering specific blood and urine tests to detect abnormally high protein levels excreted by tumor cells, commonly referred to as an "M spike."

Gasparetto stated that we measure this protein at the time of diagnosis, during therapy to assess response, and thereafter to monitor progression or relapse.

Bone pain may also prompt imaging, which would reveal any skeletal abnormalities.

The initial results are then confirmed with a bone aspiration and biopsy.

"Through bone marrow aspiration, we extract a small amount of fluid from the bone marrow, and with bone marrow biopsy, we remove a small piece of bone," Gasparetto stated.

A pathologist then analyzes the sample to determine the severity of the disease.

Experts informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the final diagnosis is determined by a combination of various tests, including blood work, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, imaging studies, and urinalysis.

Risk factors for the disease

According to Mikhael, while myeloma does not usually occur in families, there is a slightly higher likelihood of the disease when a family member is already diagnosed with it.

"For the vast majority of cases, we do not know the cause of myeloma."

Experts suggest that many cases may result from genetic changes that occur later in life.

"The cause of myeloma is unknown for most cases, and it is more prevalent in older individuals, with an average age of diagnosis being 69."

On average, African-American and Latino American patients are diagnosed at a younger age, around 64 or 65.

Myeloma is more common in individuals of African descent, according to statistics.

Myeloma is linked to exposure to fires, Agent Orange, and excessive radiation, according to Mikhael.

Individuals with a higher body mass index and certain blood conditions, such as MGUS, may have a greater risk of developing multiple myeloma.

Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, head of the hematology division at Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami, states that preventing most cases of multiple myeloma is not possible.

Treatment options

An oncologist should be consulted by myeloma patients for a customized treatment plan considering their age, overall health, and disease severity, as advised by the American Cancer Society.

Some cancer therapies may involve monoclonal antibodies and immune modulating drugs, which enhance the immune system to aid the body in combating cancer.

Sekeres stated that multiple myeloma can be treated with chemotherapy, which involves up to four drug regimens for several months, followed by maintenance therapy.

The doctor stated that eligible patients can undergo a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant, which may result in extended remissions.

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According to Mikhael, conventional therapy does not cure cancer, but most patients respond well to treatment.

He pointed out that the average survival rate was one to two years 20 years ago, but it is now over 10 years.