Until recently, most myeloma experts have agreed that there is no nutritional or genetic familial link back to multiple myeloma. In other words, there is/was no proof that what we ate–or who we were related to–could cause bone marrow cancer.
Earlier this summer I blogged about possible nutritional causes:
Proof of nutritional link to multiple myeloma?
The head of the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), Dr. Brian Durie, echoed the same thing:
Can Cookies Cause Myeloma?
So there seem to be some cracks showing-up in the “nutrition doesn’t cause myeloma” argument.
Now let’s take a quick look at possible genetic links.
Common sense has led me to believe that there must be a genetic link to multiple myeloma. I have run into too many examples of several myeloma cases appearing in the same family. Here’s the best, strongest example I have found to date…
Joan is a daily reader and dedicated caregiver for her husband, Don. Last week she mentioned how she wasn’t a stranger to all of this, since there had been three cases among members of a friend’s family. I followed-up and was shocked to learn how much myeloma could be found perched in one family tree!
Here’s a copy of an email I received this week from a relative named Diane:
Hi Pat,
Here’s the situation with my brothers and our uncle having MM:
- My brother Ron (56 yrs old) was diagnosed last year with MM. Ron’s complaints were about a sore fractured spot centered on his sternum. He was missed diagnosid for several years. Ron is currently under the good care of Dr. Craig Hoffmiser at the OSU James Cancer Center, in Columbus, OH. His treatment started with several months of Velcade chemo therapy and then last December had a stem cell replacement. The results from the stem cell were disappointing. Ron currently takes (5mg) of revlimid chemo. He is not in remission yet. He looks healthy and strong, but tires easily.
- My brother Albert (58 yrs old) was recently diagnosed with MGUS/smoldering myeloma. Al took a proactive approach and got tested on his own since Ron’s diagnosis. Al is tested every 6 mos. for an increase protein level. Doctors are saying that his MM may not present itself for years. Al receives no treatment at this time. He looks healthy and lives an active life.
- Our uncle Albert (our mother’s brother) was diagnosed with MM in his late 80′s. He passed away last June.
Wow! Three men from the same family! Apparently, they did all live within two miles of each other–so an environmental component can’t be ruled-out.
Do you realize the odds against three cases of myeloma randomly appearing in the same family? Astronomical!
Anecdotal views of the world rarely prove anything. But if there ever was a “smoking gun” linking myeloma and a genetic familial link, this is it!
Feel good and keep smiling! Pat
August 25th, 2012 at 12:07 am
I learned this evening that Ron, Al and “Uncle Albert” lived within a few miles of each other in Columbus, OH. Ron worked as an automotives repair supervisor for years, and then later in heating/air-conditioning maintenance. Al owned an Interior/exterior painting company. Ron and Albert would occasionally paint together.
Diane’s Uncle Albert retired from North American Rockwell as a commercial artist. There is no family relationship between these three men and Joan’s Don as I reported earlier. I have edited my post and apologize for the mistake.
It’s hard to tell if environmental factors may have played a role in all of this. But it wasn’t like the three men involved all worked in the same petroleum refinery together for 30 years…
August 25th, 2012 at 10:54 am
I am awaiting confirmation of my primary physician’s diagnosis of Myeloma. So at this point d not have confirmation, but from reviewing my blood work for the past several years (since 2010 had numerous blood work that showed high Total Protein and Globulins, but only sent for additional testing when I had my 2012 physical and NEW physician to the practice saw new blood work and reviewed previous) and comparing to information online, I would say it may well be either MGUS or SMM.
Said all that so you would know I have not been officially diagnosed, because I have concerns re environmental issues . I worked in the carpet industry (petro-based) for 40+ years in various Georgia locations and lived very near a carpet manufacturing facility for 35+years.
I have a friend who was diagnosed with SMM in 2010. She lived within 10 miles of me (and the carpet manufacturing facility) for 25-30 years and she ALSO worked in that same facility for 20-25 years.
Now..I have met by phone a third lady who has been diagnosed with MM – possibly SMM or Stage 1 – she mentioned both. The three of us are meeting for dinner this Thursday. But she ALSO worked in the carpet industry. Think it may have only been for a short period and not sure what neighborhood she lived, but will be checking with her for additional details when we meet.
Just saying…..
August 25th, 2012 at 11:10 am
I get your point! And yes, researchers do concede that there may be environmental triggers or causes of multiple myeloma. But no one wants to–or knows how to–do anything about it.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Pat arer you familar with Winship Cancer Institute at Emory and/or Dr. Lonial? He is my friend’s doctor (the one referenced in previous comment). She’s happy with him and the clinic there….but feel it never hurts to gather additional into. I’m continuing to follow your website as well as Myeloma Beacon. And already have lots of comments and questions but are holding them until I see results of 24 hour urinalysis and the additional blood work (all done last week at Emory) on Tuesday. Thanks for all you’re doing for the Myeloma community.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Please update us when you get your results back, Melba. Emory is a well respected institution. I have heard mixed reviews. But that could apply to any cancer center. They should know what they are doing, but a second opinion is always a good idea. If you are newly diagnosed and want to “reach for a cure,” I may have an option for you…
August 25th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Thanks Pat. I’ll post results as soon as
received together with recommendations offered by the doctor.
August 25th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Hi Pat..
This is an interesting question. It probably exists, but I’ve not seen a compilation of data describing the correlation between work place chemical exposure and myeloma.
When I was in school, way back in the ’60s, I spent a number of summers working as an industrial roofer. Back then we would tear off the old tar and gravel roof from a school or factory building and replace it with asphalt and gravel. It was a dirty job, breathing in tar dust and fumes from melted asphalt, which must have been unhealthy in some way.
I do recall, about the time I was diagnosed, answering a question concerning exposure to petroleum products. Are you aware of an investigation of this type?
Thanks…
August 25th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Lots of anectodal evidence. NY responders have much higher incidence of myeloma than one would find in a normal sample of people the same age. Yes, I know there are a number of casual studies underway…
August 26th, 2012 at 9:20 am
Pat, I have attempted to find out how the state of Georgia ranks in incidences of MM. (The carpet industry was and is heavily based in Northwest Georgia.) Do you have any stats on Georgia?
Thanks…
August 26th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
I don’t. I will keep my eyes and ears open and see if I can find a source for that…
September 3rd, 2012 at 8:29 pm
I also wonder how many people with MM have connections to agriculture industry in some way (as my husband does). On April 8,2011 Reuters published an article about a widely used product, glyphosate (Roundup) and midway through the article was this:
“Another study being looked at by the EPA cited detectable concentrations of glyphosate in the urine of farmers and their children in two U.S. states. Higher levels were found in farmers who did not wear protective clothing when they used glyphosate or who otherwise improperly handled it. The EPA said it will consider data from that study “more fully” as part of its ongoing risk assessment.
The agency also said it is looking at a study partly sponsored by the EPA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that found some users of glyphosate were observed to have a higher risk of multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting bone marrow, than people who never used the chemical. The two-fold increased risk was considered “non-significant” and EPA said the findings were preliminary and based on a small number of cases but it is still part of the review.”
Full Reuters article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/08/us-glyphosate-epa-idUSTRE7374WX20110408
September 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
I believe a connection between working with ag chemicals and multiple myeloma has been established. Great point, Chris!