How are neutrophils related to myeloma?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. In myeloma, cancerous plasma cells grow rapidly in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells including neutrophils.
When myeloma cells take over the bone marrow, there's less space for the body to produce Show Full Answer
How are neutrophils related to myeloma?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. In myeloma, cancerous plasma cells grow rapidly in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells including neutrophils.
When myeloma cells take over the bone marrow, there's less space for the body to produce enough white blood cells. This leads to low white blood cell counts, including neutrophils, which weakens your immune system.
Low neutrophil levels put you at higher risk for infections. You may find yourself getting sick more often or staying sick longer than usual. Common colds and flu can be more severe when your white blood cell counts are low.
Some myeloma treatments can also lower neutrophil counts as a side effect. Medications like chemotherapy, immunomodulating drugs, and monoclonal antibodies can further reduce white blood cell levels while fighting the cancer.
If you're experiencing frequent infections, your doctor can check your white blood cell count with a blood test. Low counts could indicate that myeloma is affecting your bone marrow's ability to produce healthy cells.
December 23, 2025
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