7. Autoimmune Diseases: The Body’s Revolt and the Myeloma Link
Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, have been identified as potential precursors to several health issues, including multiple myeloma. The constant immune activation and inflammation associated with these conditions might set the stage for abnormal cellular behavior in the bone marrow.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system targets the joints, or systemic lupus erythematosus, which can affect multiple organs, are not just isolated diseases. Their systemic nature means they influence the body’s overall health, including the health of the bone marrow and plasma cells.
This constant state of immune system “high alert” could lead to abnormal cell growth and proliferation. Over time, the continuous churn and turnover of cells in response to autoimmune triggers could push plasma cells into a malignant state, manifesting as multiple myeloma.
The connection between autoimmune diseases and multiple myeloma isn’t linear, and not everyone with an autoimmune condition will develop myeloma. However, the elevated risk is undeniable. The body’s very defense mechanism, designed to protect, could, under certain circumstances, become its vulnerability. (7)
