DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with plasma cell dyscrasia, which I understand is a low grade multiple myeloma, or stage one. The medical report read as follows: “Normocellular marrow (40%) with 3.2% plasma cells, consistent with plasma cell dyscrasia. A population of CD45-negative plasma cells expressing CD38, CD138, and monotypic, cytoplasmic kappa light chains is present at 0.26% of ficolled cells.”
I am almost 70 years of age, have been in remission for 24 years from Wegener’s granulomatosis, and have lived a normal lifestyle during this time. My sed rate at this time is about 50 and I am also anemic (anemia of chronic disease). I would like your comments on this diagnosis. Right now they are not starting treatment. I have heard of a very good food supplement called Poly MVA that has been used for cancer treatment alone or with traditional treatment. I am wondering if I used this food supplement now since it is in such an early stage if it could be all I would need to kill the low grade cancer. What do you think?
DEAR READER: Plasma cell dyscrasia is just another name for multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer. It specifically affects the plasma cells which normally help the body fight off infection by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these cells become faulty, grow out of control, and cause tumors to form in solid bone. It primarily affects older individuals. Having had radiation treatment in the past increases the risk of developing this cancer.
In the early stages of the disease, treatment may not be necessary if symptoms are not present or if the cancer develops very slowly. Close monitoring is important so that if things should change, treatment can be begun promptly. When treatment is appropriate, it consists of radiation, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplant, and medication. When certain symptoms or complications present, such as back pain, kidney problems, anemia, bone loss and more, treatment specifically targeted for those complications may be beneficial.
According to the American Cancer Society, Poly MVA is a liquid dietary supplement that contains various minerals, B complex vitamins, palladium, and amino and lipoic acids. The name Poly MVA, literally stands for many Minerals, Vitamins and Amino acids.
The supplement was developed by a dentist who had some graduate training in biochemistry. It is promoted as a non-toxic alternative to chemotherapy or can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The makers claim that it has a history of “over 40 years of laboratory research and testing and 15 years of clinical use.” However, no human studies have appeared in peer-reviewed medical journals and currently available scientific evidence does NOT support the claims that it treats or prevents cancer. The only study that was ever published in a peer-reviewed journal was an animal study done on gerbils exploring the possible effects of Poly MVA protecting nerve cells from a lack of oxygen. Available reportable reports are anecdotal or from small unpublished/unconfirmed studies.
Because of a lack of published (or performed?) human studies, the risks and side effects remain unknown. What is currently known is that one of the ingredients, palladium, can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, which can theoretically make chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment LESS effective; however, other studies support the belief.
I suggest you (and others) save your money ( and perhaps your life), by sticking with proven cancer treatments. Follow the recommendations of your oncologist.
