Letter to the Editor

Fragile Bones in a Young Male

Authors: Umbreen Hasan, DR, MD, FACR, Haleem Rasool, DR, MD, FACP

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a clonal B cell malignancy characterized by accumulation of plasma cells.1 It can result in bone destruction leading to pain, hypercalcemia, osteopenia, pathologic fractures and spinal cord compression. Skeletal manifestations are not only due to deposition of plasma cells in the bones, but also secondary to increased osteoporotic activity.2

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References

1. Desikan KR Dhodapkar MV Munshi NC, et al. Recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Curr Opin Hematol 1999;6:216–221.
 
2. Kyle R. The role of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:734–736.
 
3. Berenson JR, Hillner BE, Kyle RA, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guidelines: the role of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma. J Clin Oncol 2002;20:3719–3736.
 
4. Body JJ. Bisphosphonates for malignancy-related bone disease: current status, future developments.Support Care Cancer 2006;14:408–418. Epub 2006 Feb 1.
 
5. Bell R. Efficacy of ibandronate in metastatic bone disease: review of clinical data. Oncologist 2005; 10 (Suppl):8–13.