Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells — a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. While it cannot always be completely cured, modern treatments can control the disease for many years, allowing patients to live active, fulfilling lives.
Globally, over 180,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed each year. Early symptoms such as bone pain or fatigue are often mistaken for common aging issues. However, timely intervention can still open a window for long term disease control — so prompt medical evaluation is essential.
China sees approximately 25,000 new cases of multiple myeloma annually, with a rapidly growing patient population. At Fosun Health, this substantial case volume has given our expert teams a depth of experience that ensures precision in every aspect of care — from accurate genetic subtyping and risk stratification to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Multiple myeloma often announces itself through bone pain and unexplained fatigue. Unlike solid tumors, it starts inside your bone marrow. Do not dismiss persistent back pain or repeated infections as “just getting older.” If you notice any of the following for more than two weeks—especially if you are over 60, have a family history of myeloma, or have been exposed to radiation or certain chemicals—seek expert evaluation immediately:
Symptom | What to Watch For |
Persistent Bone Pain | Deep, aching pain in the back, ribs, or hips that worsens with movement; often described as “crushing” or “boring.” |
Unexplained Fractures | Breaking a bone with minimal trauma (e.g., coughing, bending over)—especially in the spine or ribs. |
Extreme Fatigue | Severe tiredness due to anemia (low red blood cells), not relieved by rest. |
Frequent Infections | Recurrent pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sinusitis due to low normal antibodies (hypogammaglobulinemia). |
Kidney Problems | Foamy urine (protein), swelling in legs/ankles, or sudden rise in creatinine; caused by excess light chains (Bence Jones protein) damaging kidneys. |
Systemic Signs | Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or numbness/tingling in hands/feet (neuropathy). |
If you are over 60, have a first-degree relative with myeloma or other blood cancer, carry certain genetic variants, have been exposed to radiation, pesticides, or benzene, or have a prior diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)—annual serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and free light chain assay can detect myeloma at an early stage before organ damage occurs.
At Fosun Health, multiple myeloma diagnosis is not just about “finding cancer cells”—it is about quantifying the monoclonal protein, determining the cytogenetic risk group, and identifying targetable mutations to design a personalized plan that controls the disease for years while preserving your quality of life. Our streamlined pathway delivers answers within days:
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) & Immunofixation: Detects and identifies the monoclonal (M) protein (IgG, IgA, IgM, or light chains).
- Serum Free Light Chain (FLC) Assay: Measures kappa and lambda light chains; an abnormal ratio indicates clonal plasma cell proliferation.
- Quantitative Immunoglobulins: Measures levels of normal antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) which are often suppressed.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
- Creatinine, Calcium, Albumin, LDH: Assesses kidney function, hypercalcemia, and tumor burden.
- 24 Hour Urine Protein: Quantifies Bence Jones protein (free light chains) and measures kidney damage.
The gold standard. Under local anesthesia, we obtain a bone marrow sample from the hipbone. We examine:
- Plasma cell percentage (≥10% is diagnostic; ≥60% defines high risk).
- Plasma cell morphology (mature, immature, or plasmablastic).
- Immunohistochemistry for CD138, CD38, CD56 (plasma cell markers).
- Flow cytometry to detect clonal plasma cells (CD38+/CD138+ with light chain restriction).
- Low Dose Whole Body CT: Detects lytic bone lesions (punched out lesions), osteopenia, and fractures.
- PET CT: More sensitive for detecting small or metabolically active bone lesions and extramedullary disease (plasmacytomas outside bone).
- Whole Body MRI: Preferred for detecting bone marrow infiltration without radiation; especially useful for spine assessment.
Risk stratification is critical. We perform FISH on purified plasma cells to detect:
- High risk abnormalities: del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain(1q), del(1p).
- Standard risk: hyperdiploidy, t(11;14), t(6;14).
- Other: RAS/RAF mutations, TP53 mutations, MYC rearrangements.
Using bone marrow samples, we analyze KRAS/NRAS, BRAF, TP53, DIS3, FAM46C, IRF4, CCND1, and over 300 myeloma related genes. This determines whether your myeloma will respond to BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib) for BRAF mutated disease, BCL 2 inhibitor (venetoclax) for t(11;14) positive myeloma, RAS pathway inhibitors (clinical trials), or XPO1 inhibitor (selinexor) . It also identifies resistance mechanisms and guides treatment sequencing.
Every myeloma program has chemotherapy, steroids, and bone strengtheners. Here is what makes ours different:
"My spine feels like it is crumbling. I am terrified of breaking a rib from a sneeze, or becoming paralyzed from a collapsed vertebra. Can you stop my bones from dissolving?"
The challenge: Myeloma secretes factors that activate osteoclasts—literally dissolving bone from the inside. Vertebral compression fractures cause excruciating pain, height loss, and paralysis risk. Rib fractures make breathing torture. Patients become bedbound, then pneumonia-bound.
Our answer: A rapid-response bone protection and rescue platform:
- Systemic Anti-Myeloma Therapy: First-line regimens such as bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (VRd), daratumumab-based combinations (Dara-Rd, Dara-VMP), or carfilzomib-based protocols rapidly reduce the malignant plasma cell burden—cutting off the signals that dissolve bone.
- Bisphosphonates & Denosumab: Monthly zoledronic acid or denosumab hardens remaining bone matrix and reduces fracture risk by up to 50%.
- Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty: For painful vertebral compression fractures, bone cement is injected percutaneously into the collapsed vertebra—stabilizing the spine, relieving pain within hours, and preventing further collapse. No open surgery.
- CyberKnife M6 for Painful Bone Lesions: For plasmacytomas or painful lytic lesions in surgically inaccessible locations (pelvis, sacrum, skull), 0.1mm stereotactic radiosurgery delivers ablative radiation in 1–5 sessions—eliminating the tumor, relieving pain, and preventing fracture.
- Tumor Hyperthermia: For painful rib or chest wall plasmacytomas, regional hyperthermia to 40–43°C sensitizes cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy—amplifying pain control and local tumor destruction.
What this means for you: We do not wait for your spine to collapse. We harden your bones, cement the fractured vertebrae, radiate the painful lesions, and attack the root cause—the myeloma cells themselves—simultaneously.
"My creatinine is rising. My urine is foamy. They say my kidneys are failing because of the myeloma. Will I need dialysis for life?"
The challenge: Myeloma produces abnormal light chains that clog the kidney tubules—causing myeloma cast nephropathy and acute kidney injury. Once dialysis-dependent, patients face dramatically shortened survival and are often deemed ineligible for intensive anti-myeloma therapy.
Our answer: Rapid renal rescue before permanent damage sets in:
- Anti-Myeloma Urgency: High-dose bortezomib-based regimens rapidly suppress light chain production—the root cause of tubular damage. Every day of delay means more permanent nephron loss.
- Aggressive Hydration & Urine Alkalinization: Forced diuresis with IV fluids and bicarbonate prevents light chain precipitation in tubules and reduces calcium load.
- Plasma Exchange: For severe cast nephropathy, plasmapheresis physically removes circulating light chains—buying time for anti-myeloma therapy to work and for kidneys to recover.
- Hemodialysis Support: If acute kidney injury has already progressed, temporary dialysis supports the patient through the initial treatment phase. With rapid light chain reduction, renal recovery is possible in 30–50% of patients—freeing them from permanent dialysis dependence.
- Renal-Sparing Protocols: For patients with established chronic kidney disease, we select renal-sparing anti-myeloma agents(dose-adjusted lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide-based regimens) and avoid nephrotoxic drugs.
What this means for you: A rising creatinine is an emergency in myeloma, not a slow decline. We attack the light chains at their source, flush the kidneys, remove toxic proteins, and dialyze only if necessary—aiming for renal recovery, not permanent dependence.
"I catch every cold, every pneumonia, every urinary infection. A simple fever sends me to the ICU. How do I survive long enough for the myeloma treatment to work?"
The challenge: Myeloma crushes normal plasma cell function—immunoglobulin levels plummet, leaving patients defenseless against encapsulated bacteria (pneumococcus, haemophilus) and viruses. A routine community-acquired pneumonia can become septic shock within hours. Patients die of infection before the cancer kills them.
Our answer: A proactive immune defense system that keeps you alive through treatment:
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Monthly IVIG infusions replace the protective antibodies your body can no longer make—dramatically reducing serious infection rates.
- Prophylactic Anti-Infective Shield: Antibiotics (levofloxacin), antivirals (acyclovir), antifungals (posaconazole), and PJP prophylaxis are deployed preemptively during treatment cycles—not waiting for fever.
- Vaccination Strategy: Inactivated pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines are administered before and during treatment windows—building whatever immune memory remains.
- G-CSF Support: Pegfilgrastim after each chemotherapy cycle accelerates neutrophil recovery—shortening the infection window.
- Integrative TCM: "Immune Rebuild": Evidence-informed formulations support white blood cell recovery, reduce treatment-related fatigue, and protect mucosal barriers against bacterial translocation.
What this means for you: You do not have to face every germ unarmed. We replace your missing antibodies, shield you with prophylactic drugs, vaccinate strategically, and rebuild your immune recovery—so you survive long enough for anti-myeloma therapy to succeed.
"I have been through bortezomib, lenalidomide, daratumumab, and carfilzomib. My myeloma is growing again. They say I have run out of options. Is that true?"
The challenge: Myeloma is a disease of relapses. Each remission becomes shorter. After proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, patients in many regions face a void. CAR-T therapy and bispecific antibodies exist—but in most countries they are either unavailable or cost-prohibitive.
Our answer: In China, the next generation is not a rumor—it is a clinical reality:
- BCMA-Directed CAR-T: Idecabtagene vicleucel (Abecma) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti) are approved in China for relapsed/refractory myeloma after multiple lines. Complete remission rates exceed 70–80% in appropriate candidates, with stringent MRD-negative remissions achievable.
- BCMA Bispecific Antibodies: Teclistamab (BCMA×CD3) offers off-the-shelf T-cell redirection without the manufacturing wait or apheresis requirement. Approved and commercially available.
- GPRC5D-Targeted Therapy: For patients who relapse after BCMA-directed therapy, talquetamab (GPRC5D×CD3 bispecific) provides a completely distinct target—opening a second door when the first closes.
- China-Original Next-Generation Agents: Domestic BCMA CAR-T constructs, novel bispecific antibodies, and oral proteasome inhibitors are in advanced clinical use and trial phases—often years ahead of availability elsewhere.
- Phase III Clinical Trial Fast-Track: When commercial options are exhausted, immediate access to trials of next-generation CAR-Ts, novel target agents (FcRH5, CD38×CD3 bispecifics), and combination immunotherapy.
Because these therapies are developed and manufactured within China's ecosystem, comprehensive treatment costs are 30%–50% of what you would pay in Europe or the US—with zero compromise in quality.
Guided by NGS-based molecular profiling and physicians who have sequenced thousands of myeloma cases through multiple lines.
What this means for you: "Out of options" is a statement about geography, not biology. Your BCMA or GPRC5D status opens a direct path to CAR-T, bispecifics, or next-generation trials that are available here—now—at a cost that makes sustained, multi-line treatment a reality.
When standard therapies reach their limit, we provide rapid access to China's full portfolio of Phase III clinical trials—therapies typically 3–5 years ahead of availability elsewhere. NGS-based molecular matching identifies trials targeting your specific mutation. Every enrollment is ethics-approved with full medical supervision.
Our TCM program runs alongside your primary treatment as a "bone marrow and immune regenerative support system":
Toxicity Reduction: Herbal formulations help protect kidney function, reduce bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy, ease steroid-related insomnia and mood changes, and support bone marrow recovery after intensive cycles.
Efficacy Enhancement: Selected preparations may improve treatment tolerance and support immune reconstitution.
The goal: protect your bones, your kidneys, and your immune resilience—so you can cycle after cycle, year after year.
Every myeloma case is reviewed by a panel comprising hematology/oncology, nephrology (for renal protection), orthopedics/spine surgery (for fracture risk), interventional radiology (for vertebroplasty), radiation oncology, clinical nutrition, radiology, pathology, and integrative medicine specialists.Myeloma decisions are uniquely complex: balancing anti-myeloma intensity with renal reserve; sequencing proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonals, and cellular therapy; timing of bone-modifying agents; and fracture prevention versus surgical intervention.
The MDT convenes within 48 hours of complete documentation. Your plan is a consensus decision optimized for your ISS/R-ISS stage, cytogenetic risk, renal function, bone status, and your priorities.
Led by Dr. Yang Jun, Prof. Luo Pengfei, and Prof. Chen Tao, the Fosun Oncology Center brings together more than 20 world-class medical experts, each with over a decade of extensive oncology experience. Supported by a comprehensive range of advanced therapies — including robotic surgery, precision radiotherapy, minimally invasive intervention, CAR-T cell therapy, and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) — the center delivers one-stop, integrated cancer care designed to make treatment more accessible, efficient, and high-quality for every patient.
Key Highlights
- Over 60,000 annual oncology patient admissions across Fosun’s major international hospitals in 2025
More than 17,000 cumulative TACE procedures completed between 2023 and 2025 at Fosun Hospital Guangzhou alone, with international patients accounting for over 10% of total cases
- More than 1,000 successful CyberKnife treatments performed, demonstrating world-class expertise in precision radiotherapy
- A 29.3% five-year survival rate achieved for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) through combined TTFields therapy, representing a significant improvement over the 4.7% baseline
Core Services
- Robotic surgery
- Precision radiotherapy
- Minimally invasive intervention
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
- Medical oncology
- PET/CT imaging
- Pulmonary nodule diagnosis
- VIP inpatient wards
- Integrated oncology clinics
- Traditional Chinese medicine for oncology
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Genetic testing and counseling
Founded in 1992, Fosun has grown over the past three decades into a global innovation-driven consumer group. In 2007, Fosun International Limited was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 00656.HK). As one of the few Chinese enterprises with strong global operational and investment capabilities, Fosun has developed substantial technological expertise and innovation capacity across multiple industries.
Established in 2010, Shanghai Fosun Health Technology is dedicated to building a world-renowned healthcare group in Asia. Today, the group operates 19 affiliated medical institutions across Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shanghai, and other major cities, with a total of 6,600 hospital beds and 9 Internet Hospital licenses. Fosun Health ranks No. 1 among China’s private comprehensive medical groups. Its flagship institution, Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital, has ranked first among private hospitals in China for eight consecutive years and was honored with the 2026 Global Health Asia-Pacific “Oncological Medical Service Provider of the Year” award.
As the flagship hospital of Fosun Health, Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital was founded in 1958. The hospital currently hosts 28 key specialty development programs, including 2 provincial-level, 13 municipal-level, and 13 district-level key specialties. Its services span 22 medical disciplines, including spinal orthopedics, traditional Chinese medicine gynecology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiovascular medicine, clinical laboratory medicine, anesthesiology, pediatrics, critical care medicine, ultrasound medicine, rehabilitation medicine, general practice, general surgery, and urology.
The hospital is equipped with globally advanced medical technologies, including the CyberKnife system and the Da Vinci Surgical Robot. It has 1,750 approved hospital beds and a multidisciplinary team of more than 2,800 medical professionals. The hospital records nearly 3.19 million outpatient visits annually and more than 67,000 inpatient discharges each year.
Fosun Foshan Chancheng Hospital has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including:
Global Health Asia-Pacific “Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of the Year”
Global Health China “Hospital of the Year”
No. 1 ranking on the GAHA Top 500 Private Hospitals in China list for eight consecutive years
The hospital has also been recognized as:
A National Model Unit for Improved Medical Services
A National Drug Clinical Trial Institution (GCP)
A National Standardized Residency Training Base
Established in 2003, Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital specializes in cardiovascular medicine, oncology, and neurosciences. The hospital has established a National Chest Pain Center, Stroke Center, Trauma Center, and MDT Center, supporting the development of emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, intensive care, anesthesiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, urology, and general practice.
The hospital operates more than 800 inpatient beds and 48 clinical and medical technology departments, supported by a team of over 880 healthcare professionals.
Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital has received several honors and industry recognitions, including:
EMBA Innovation Practice Base
Guangdong Private Medical Reform & Innovation Brand
Guangdong Private Medical Industry Pioneer Brand
Outstanding Brand Hospital for Medical Investment Contribution
Upload your serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) with immunofixation, free light chain assay, bone marrow biopsy report (plasma cell percentage, CD138, flow cytometry), FISH cytogenetics (del17p, t(4;14), t(11;14), etc.), and imaging (PET CT or low dose whole body CT). Our multidisciplinary myeloma team (hematologists, radiation oncologists, immunotherapists) will provide a personalized treatment plan—including risk stratification, induction regimen selection, CAR T candidacy, and transplant evaluation—within 48 hours.
