Neutropenia in Multiple Myeloma and What You Need to Know

During different cancer treatments like stem cell transplant, chemotherapy or radiation, a condition can occur called neutropenia. This comes from the lack of production of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps combat body infections), which is caused by these treatments. Patients with myeloma, leukemia or lymphoma are more likely to develop neutropenia because these cancer types affect bone marrow.

It essentially means you your immune system has been knocked down and caution is needed until it is built back up. 

Cancer expert Dr. Carmen Escalante addressed the symptoms, dangers, prevention techniques for neutropenia. If the condition becomes serious, doctors may temporarily stop treatment in order to give the body time to produce more neutrophils or prescribe a medication to aid in this process. Neutropenia is common for several weeks during the stem cell transplant process. Doctors will recommend that myeloma patients change their diet during this time to ensure that all foods are properly cooked to prevent viral or bacterial infections.

So, what should you be looking for? Symptoms of neutropenia are uncommon and it is most often diagnosed only by blood tests. Infections can be common during this time, so pay special attention to the following symptoms: 

• Fever over 100.4 F for longer than an hour
• Chills
• Body aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Sore throat
• Mouth sores
• Runny nose
• New/worsening cough
• Shortness of breath
• Redness, swelling or tenderness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Burning or painful urination
• Unusual discharge or irritation
• Pain in abdomen/rectum
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or sudden forgetfulness

If you think you have an infection, “contact your doctor or a member of your care team. You may be asked to go to the emergency center for immediate treatment.”

Tips to prevent infection:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Practice good oral and physical hygiene
• Clean and cook foods completely
• Avoid raw foods
• Avoid large crowds
• Avoid anyone with infection
• Wear a hospital mask in public to prevent exposure

For more information regarding neutropenia, see this article.