The revelation that Patti Scialfa, celebrated musician in her own right and famously known as Bruce Springsteen’s wife and E Street Band member, is battling multiple myeloma has brought significant attention to this rare blood cancer. In the upcoming documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” Scialfa openly discusses her diagnosis, shedding light on her health journey since 2018 and the challenges it presents, particularly concerning her ability to perform.
According to Variety’s initial report, in “Road Diary,” Patti Scialfa, age 71, explains the impact of multiple myeloma on her life and career. “This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” she states. Despite the difficulties, she expresses joy in being able to occasionally join the band on stage, saying, “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat.” Scialfa’s limited presence on the E Street Band’s current tour is directly linked to her health condition. A representative for Bruce Springsteen has declined to comment further on the matter, respecting Scialfa’s privacy.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma: A Blood Cancer Explained
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that targets plasma cells, a crucial type of white blood cell originating in the bone marrow. This cancer primarily impacts the bones and kidneys. Both the disease itself and its treatments, which can include stem cell transplants and immunotherapies, can weaken the patient’s immune system, making them more susceptible to recurrent infections, especially respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Manni Mohyuddin, a specialist in multiple myeloma at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, emphasizes the long-term nature of the illness. “Myeloma treatment is a marathon,” he explains. “This isn’t cancer that you can surgically remove and cure. This is a cancer that requires long term, ongoing treatment and lifelong monitoring.” Currently, there is no known cure for multiple myeloma, meaning many individuals diagnosed with this condition require continuous treatment to manage it.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Disparities in Multiple Myeloma
Approximately 35,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed in the United States annually. While the exact causes remain under investigation, certain demographics are at a higher risk. Older adults, men, and individuals with obesity have been identified as being more susceptible to developing multiple myeloma. Genetics also plays a role; while generally not hereditary, having a sibling or parent with myeloma can elevate an individual’s risk. This genetic predisposition appears to be more pronounced within the Black community, according to Dr. Joseph Mikhael, chief medical officer of the International Myeloma Foundation.
Notably, multiple myeloma is twice as prevalent among Black people in the U.S. compared to white people, and mortality rates within the Black American community are also twice as high. These disparities are further compounded by factors such as delayed diagnoses and unequal access to optimal treatment, as highlighted by Dr. Mikhael. The majority of multiple myeloma diagnoses occur in individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, reinforcing its association with aging. “Myeloma is predominantly a disease of aging, so the older you get, the more likely you are to get it,” Dr. Mohyuddin states.
While the precise origins of multiple myeloma are not fully understood, Dr. Mohyuddin suggests that many cases arise from random genetic changes that accumulate over time, increasing with age. In a smaller subset of patients, environmental factors such as significant exposure to radiation, Agent Orange, or specific pesticides may also elevate the risk. For instance, firefighters, due to their exposure to carcinogens in smoke, have a statistically higher likelihood of developing the disease.
Recognizing Symptoms and the Diagnostic Process
Bone pain, often described as a persistent ache in the back, ribs, or hips, is a common initial symptom of multiple myeloma. Other early signs can include fatigue, weakness, or numbness in the arms and legs. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to multiple myeloma and can be indicative of various other conditions, often leading to delays in diagnosis.
Dr. Mikhael points out the challenge in early detection: “The average myeloma patient, independent of race or ethnicity, sees their primary care provider three times with signs and symptoms that are consistent with myeloma before the diagnosis is suspected.” Elevated calcium levels, anemia, kidney problems, and bone fractures, particularly those occurring easily, are also significant indicators that warrant further investigation, according to Dr. Mansi Shah, a hematologist and oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey. Dr. Shah explains, “Essentially, the bone restoration process doesn’t happen when someone has multiple myeloma. People might develop a fracture in their ribs by sneezing because their bones have become so weak.”
Diagnosing multiple myeloma typically begins with a blood test. Abnormal results from blood work may prompt further diagnostic procedures, such as a bone marrow biopsy or an MRI scan. In some instances, the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood can be detected, which may serve as an early warning sign of the disease.
Advancements in Treatment and Improved Prognosis
Although the incidence rate of multiple myeloma has increased by over 40% since 1990, this is largely attributed to improvements in diagnostic capabilities and increased life expectancy, rather than a true surge in disease occurrence. Encouragingly, five-year survival rates have significantly improved, rising from approximately 35% in 2000 to over 60% today. Medical professionals attribute this progress to advancements in treatment options and believe that current survival statistics may even underestimate the positive impact of newly available drugs.
For many individuals living with multiple myeloma, maintaining a good quality of life and engaging in everyday activities is achievable. Dr. Mikhael offers an optimistic perspective: “We have a lot of our patients that are on full treatment for their myeloma that can continue to work full time, that can continue their hobbies, that can continue their travel. Obviously, there’s some limitations, but we’ve come a long way in that realm.” Patti Scialfa’s openness about her diagnosis serves to raise crucial awareness about multiple myeloma, offering hope and information to others affected by this condition.
