Based on the protein produced in the body, there are various types of amyloidosis that one get. AL amyloidosis is the most common type of this condition. Due to this condition, the immune system of the body starts producing abnormal antibodies known as “light chains”. This is what the “L” refers to in the “AL” amyloidosis.
In a normal body, cells present in the bone marrow, known as plasma cells, are responsible for producing antibodies that are important for fighting infections and diseases. When the plasma cells become cancerous, they start producing extra antibodies which are also known as ‘light chains’. These antibodies are passed into the bloodstream and as a result, they start accumulating in various organs. The excessive accumulation of these antibodies eventually leads to organ failure.
Some of the organs commonly affected by AL amyloidosis are:
The life expectancy in this type of amyloidosis largely depends on each case and the amount of damage caused to the organs due to the disease.
1. How is AL amyloidosis different from multiple myeloma?
AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma are closely related since antibodies produced by mutated cells are a common occurrence in both the conditions. Multiple myeloma is also known as bone marrow cancer and can be identified by the presence of rapidly growing cells in the body that produce identical clones of antibodies.
However, multiple myeloma is still different than AL amyloidosis in several aspects. Like in multiple myeloma, there is a rapid growth of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. Whereas in AL amyloidosis, the light chains are produced by abnormal cells in the body.
Still, in many cases, there is an overlap between the conditions and many patients are diagnosed with both diseases.
2. What are the treatment options for AL amyloidosis patients?
The treatment plan for this type of amyloidosis works around two goals:
To treat this type of amyloidosis, a team of doctors is assigned. The team usually consists of:
Some patients may also be recommended chemotherapy to reduce or stop the growth of rapidly multiplying cells. This treatment affects both cancerous as well as non-cancerous cells in the body. Therefore, powerful chemotherapy treatment can do more harm than good. Some patients of this type of amyloidosis may be advised a bone marrow transplant to replace stem cells in their body. Often patients are also sent for clinical trials to test the efficacy of newer methods of treatment for various types of amyloidosis.
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