Because multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow, low blood counts can also be a common issue with disease progression and require close monitoring by your medical team. However, blood cell count alterations can also be caused by your medication.

Low blood counts could manifest as low red or white blood cell count or low platelet count. You might hear or read terms such as low neutrophils (a type of white blood cell, also called neutropenia), low red blood cells (anemia), or low platelets (thrombocytopenia).   

Though it is a greater concern in CAR-T, the risk of low blood cell counts is still possible during bispecific treatment, particularly neutropenia.

The blood counts usually get better on their own, but blood/platelet transfusions or G-CSF support (a drug that helps the body produce more white blood cells) is sometimes needed to boost white blood cells so patients feel better and reduce their risk of infections. 

If you want to continue reading about low blood cell counts, check out our resources below:

• What is Anemia in Myeloma? (2023)
• What Are Neutrophils in Multiple Myeloma? (2023)
• Managing Low Platelet Levels in Blood Cancers (2024)