Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells — white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It can appear as both a tumor and/or an area of bone loss, and it affects the places where bone marrow is active in an adult: the hollow area within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, and the areas around the shoulders and hips.
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3/22 @ 4pm PT / 7pm ET
IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael answers your questions in a special Q&A and shares his myeloma story.
3/7 @ 4pm PT / 7pm ET
IMF Nurse Leadership Board Member, Beth Faiman PhD, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCN®, FAAN discusses living well with myeloma and shares her myeloma story
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Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the first and largest foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation’s reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative®, a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org.
The IMF’s Impact in 2022
Because of your support, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) made huge strides in myeloma research, education, support, and advocacy in 2022. Read the full impact report now.
Research
The International Myeloma Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for those living with multiple myeloma. We have a range of initiatives to make this happen.
Black Swan Research Initiative
We’ve banded together the world’s brightest minds in research, oncology, and health studies to form the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI) – a leading-edge project that pits our scientists and leaders on the frontlines against myeloma.
Asian Myeloma Network
The Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) is comprised of myeloma experts from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.
International Myeloma Working Group
The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) emerged from the IMF’s Scientific Advisory Board which was established in 1995. It became clear that there was a need to conduct collaborative research and produce consensus guidelines for the myeloma community.
Nurse Leadership Board
The NLB is improving the nursing care and self-care of patients with multiple myeloma via consensus publications, symposia, multimedia, and research.
Education
Because “Knowledge Is Power,” the IMF brings educational seminars and workshops to communities near you, and provides a library of publications on multiple myeloma care.
Download our Free Publications
Learn about IMF’s library of cancer articles, journals, and other publications for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All are available free of charge online and in printed copy by mail. Many core booklets and key medical articles are translated as well.