Multiple Myeloma in Cats

What is multiple myeloma?

Also known as plasma cell myeloma, multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare type of blood cancer caused by the proliferation of B cell lymphocytes, a of blood cell responsible for the production of antibodies. The disease derives from a clonal population of cells, which all descend from one single plasma cell, and all have exactly the genetic make-up. As the cancerous cells multiply they take up room in the bone marrow, where there is no longer space to produce normal blood cells.

Plasma cells produce a class of proteins known as immunoglobulins, which most of us know as antibodies. The resulting tumour secretes large amounts of the immunoglobulin paraprotein (also called monoclonal or myeloma protein) this condition is known as hyperglobulinemia (high immunoglobulins in the blood). Because the increasing concentration of immunoglobulin belongs to a class of serum proteins called gamma globulins, and due to their uniform composition, the cat is said to have ‘monoclonal gammopathy’. The overabundance of immunoglobulin in the blood causes multiple problems, it thickens the blood, turning it into sludge, which over time damages the kidneys.

While the majority of multiple myelomas start in the bone marrow (where all blood cells originate), they can originate from an extramedullary site (occurring outside the medulla of the bone). It is also possible for MM to metastasise from the bone marrow to other locations; this is known as extramedullary myeloma.

This is generally a disease of older cats; there is no breed predilection, male cats are slightly over-represented. The cause of MM is unknown although genetics, a previous infection have been noted as possible causes. This is a rare form of cancer in cats, accounting for less than 1% of malignant neoplasms.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma in cats

Symptoms can be wide-ranging as many organ systems can be affected. Many conditions are a direct result of circulating paraproteins in the blood (hyperviscosity syndrome), others relate to organ damage due to metastasis as well as the reduced numbers of other types of blood cells due to infiltration of the abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow as well as increased risk of infection.

Generalised symptoms can include anorexia, weight loss, and lethargy.

Effects on the blood:

As paraprotein levels in the blood increase, the blood becomes thick and sludgy, known as hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS). This can cause many potential problems which include:

• Heart failure
• Neurological disorders
• Detached retina
• Bleeding disorders
• Kidney failure

Increased numbers of plasma cells can result in cytopenias (low levels of blood cells) such as thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets), anemia (low red blood cells), and neutropenia.

Effects on other body systems:

Eyes:

• Visual disturbances due to a detached retina, are caused by hyperviscosity and/or hypertension (see below). Visual impairment dilated pupils, and in some cases, hemorrhage can be seen in the front of the eye.

Heart:

• Heart disorders due to increased workload from hyperviscosity.

Kidneys:

• Kidney disease can develop due to infiltration of plasma cells, hypercalcemia or light chain proteins in the blood which overloads the kidneys. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, vomiting, bad breath and weight loss are all common findings in cats with kidney disease.

Bones:

• Bone lesions can cause pain, lameness, and fractures.
• Tumour-induced bone destruction can lead to hypercalcemia with neurological disorders (twitching, seizures), bladder stones, and gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting and constipation.

Blood:

• Bleeding disorders may develop due to paraproteins coating the thrombocytes (responsible for clotting), interference with the blood clotting factors or thrombocytopenia.
• Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia can develop due to plasma cells taking over the bone marrow space. Symptoms may include lethargy, pale gums, bleeding from the gums, increased susceptibility to infection, blood in the urine and/or stool, red spots on the gums and skin, and bruising.

Other:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) can occur as a result of kidney failure. Retinal detachment, seizures, heart failure, can develop.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires at least two of the following four criteria, listed below:

• Bone lesions
• Light chain (Bence Jones) protein in the urine
• Paraproteins in the blood
• Monoclonal gammopathy
• Increased plasma cells in the bone marrow

Diagnostic workup:

• Biochemical profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis which may reveal high levels of protein in the blood (hyperproteinemia), high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), elevated BUN due to kidney failure, hypoalbuminemia (low albumin), hyperglobulinemia, cytopenias are common findings in cats especially non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.
• Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP): A test that breaks down the individual proteins in the blood. Samples from a cat with multiple myeloma will show a monoclonal spike due to increased levels of monoclonal immunoglobulin in the blood.
• Urine tests: Can detect the presence of Bence Jones (light chain) proteins in the urine.
• X-rays of the vertebrae and limbs: May show as a dark ‘punched hole’ in the bone.
• Ultrasound or x-rays: To evaluate the heart, kidneys and liver, spleen and lymph nodes to evaluate the size and shape and look for extramedullary myeloma.
• Bone marrow biopsy: Samples of bone marrow are obtained under anesthesia which will be sent to a veterinary pathologist for evaluation.
  
• Other conditions including FIP and FIV can also cause monoclonal gammopathy. Your veterinarian may also want to perform additional tests to rule these infections out.

Treatment

The faster the diagnosis, and start of treatment, the better. Hopefully, before organ involvement develops.

Addressing secondary complications such as kidney disease, hypercalcemia, hyperviscosity syndrome as well as neoplasia is the goal of treatment. Many conditions should improve once chemotherapy starts.

Symptomatic treatment:

• Diuresis: To help flush excess calcium out of the body via the urine. Administration of medication may also occur.
• Dietary changes: To address kidney disease. Your veterinarian may also prescribe phosphate binders.
• Plasmapheresis: Removal of blood which is centrifuged to separate it into plasma and cells. Plasma is discarded, and the cells are re-suspended with crystalloid fluids to return the blood to its normal volume before being reinfused into your cat to treat hyperviscosity syndrome.
• Blood transfusion may be required to treat cytopenias.

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, however, treatment can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and increase lifespan.

• Chemotherapy: Multiple myeloma is very responsive to chemotherapy (oral melphalan) as well as glucocorticoids (prednisone or prednisolone). The goal is to slow down the progression of the disease and relieve clinical signs.
• Radiotherapy: To treat bony lesions.
• Antibiotics:  Concurrent bacterial infections are common in cats with MM.
• Analgesics: Where necessary, painkillers to relieve discomfort.
  

Home care

• Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Repeat follow-ups and bloodwork will be necessary to monitor your cat’s progress.

Prognosis

While treatment can extend a cat’s lifespan, the long-term prognosis is poor, and most cats will succumb to the disease, especially those who have developed hypercalcemia, kidney disease, anemia, and fractures, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease.