Research conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sourabh R. Welling, M.D. (Hom.)
Abstract
Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a challenging hematologic malignancy with significant morbidity. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation have improved outcomes, they are often associated with substantial side effects and diminished quality of life, creating a need for complementary and integrative approaches.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and symptomatic improvements in patients with MM receiving individualized homeopathic treatment as a complementary therapy.
Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 23 patients with confirmed MM. Treatment involved deep case-taking, constitutional analysis, miasmatic evaluation, and individualized remedy prescription using the CurePlus™ analysis system. Primary outcomes were measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and specific symptom severity scores.
Results: After a mean follow-up of 24 months, 19 patients (82.6%) reported significant improvements in quality of life and core symptoms. Marked improvement (>75% reduction in symptom burden) was observed in 8 patients (34.8%). The most frequently prescribed remedies were Carcinosin, Silicea, Calcarea carbonica, and Phosphorus.
Conclusion: Individualized homeopathy may serve as a valuable complementary intervention in the management of Multiple Myeloma, potentially alleviating symptom burden and improving patient well-being. Further prospective, controlled studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Introduction
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells, characterized by their clonal proliferation in the bone marrow, production of monoclonal immunoglobulin, and associated organ dysfunction. Its global incidence is approximately 6-7 cases per 100,000 persons per year, with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years. The clinical impact of MM is profound, often manifesting as severe bone pain and pathologic fractures, anemia, renal impairment, and hypercalcemia, leading to a significantly compromised quality of life.
Conventional management, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and autologous stem-cell transplantation, has extended survival rates. However, these treatments are not curative for most and are frequently accompanied by debilitating side effects such as peripheral neuropathy, cytopenias, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress. These limitations highlight the need for adjunctive therapies that can mitigate treatment-related toxicity and address the overall symptomatology of the patient.
Homeopathy operates on the principle of individualization, where the totality of a patient’s physical, emotional, and mental symptoms is considered to select a single remedy that most closely matches this unique picture. With over 2200 remedies available in the homeopathic pharmacopeia, the selection process is precise and personalized. Constitutional prescribing is paramount in chronic diseases like cancer, aiming to stimulate the body’s intrinsic self-regulatory and healing mechanisms.
The objective of this case study was to document the outcomes of patients with MM who received individualized homeopathic care alongside conventional management, with a focus on symptom palliation and quality-of-life enhancement.
Materials and Methods
Study Design: A single-center, retrospective, observational study of 23 patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.
Setting: The study was conducted at a private homeopathic clinic specializing in integrative oncology care.
Patient Selection:
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MM per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria; age >18 years; undergoing or having completed conventional treatment; and having at least six months of follow-up data.
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Exclusion Criteria: Patients receiving only homeopathic treatment without any conventional care; those with severe cognitive impairment; and patients with other concurrent active malignancies.
The CurePlus™ Analysis System: This proprietary, structured methodology was employed for each patient:
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Symptom Assessment: A 90-minute detailed case-taking session capturing location, sensation, modalities, and concomitants of all physical symptoms, alongside a thorough exploration of mental and emotional generals (e.g., fears, anxieties, cravings, aversions).
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Constitutional Analysis: Evaluation of the patient’s inherent physical build, temperament, and personality traits.
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Miasmatic Evaluation: Assessment of the underlying chronic disease predisposition (e.g., sycotic for proliferative growth, syphilitic for destructive processes) to guide deep-acting remedy selection.
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Remedy Selection Algorithm: The collected data was repertorized using synthetic repertory software cross-referenced with the CurePlus™ database of 2200+ remedies to generate a shortlist of potential simillimums.
Treatment Protocol: The final remedy was selected based on the physician’s (Dr. Welling) expertise. Potencies (typically ranging from 200C to 10M) were selected based on the patient’s vitality and sensitivity. Follow-up consultations were scheduled every 4-6 weeks to assess response and manage posology.
Outcome Measures:
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Primary Endpoint: Change from baseline in the global health status/quality of life scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30.
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Secondary Endpoints: Changes in pain scores (0-10 scale), fatigue levels, and specific MM-related symptom scores.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, percentage) were used to summarize demographic and clinical variables. Pre- and post-treatment scores were compared.
Patient Demographics
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Patients | 23 | |
| Age Range | 42-78 years | |
| Mean Age ± SD | 64.2 ± 9.8 years | |
| Gender Distribution | Male: 12 (52.2%), Female: 11 (47.8%) | |
| Duration of Illness | Median: 3 years (Range: 1-8) | From time of diagnosis |
| Previous Treatments | 23 (100%) | All were on or had received chemotherapy/biotherapy |
Symptoms Profile at Presentation
| Primary Symptoms | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) | Mean Severity Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Pain (esp. back) | 23 | 100.0 | 8.1 ± 1.5 |
| Fatigue & Weakness | 21 | 91.3 | 8.4 ± 1.2 |
| Recurrent Infections | 16 | 69.6 | 7.2 ± 1.8 |
| Nausea/Loss of Appetite | 14 | 60.9 | 6.5 ± 2.1 |
| Chemo-induced Neuropathy | 11 | 47.8 | 6.8 ± 1.9 |
| Anxiety/Depression | 18 | 78.3 | 7.5 ± 1.7 |
*Scale: 1-10 (1=mild, 10=severe)
Results
After a mean treatment duration of 24 months, significant improvements in symptom burden and quality of life were observed.
Table 1: Overall Treatment Outcomes (n=23)
| Outcome Category | n | Percentage | 95% CI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marked Improvement (>75%) | 8 | 34.8% | 18.2% – 55.9% |
| Moderate Improvement (50-75%) | 7 | 30.4% | 15.3% – 50.8% |
| Mild Improvement (25-49%) | 4 | 17.4% | 6.5% – 37.0% |
| No Change (<25%) | 4 | 17.4% | 6.5% – 37.0% |
Table 2: Top Prescribed Homeopathic Remedies
| Remedy | Frequency | Percentage | Primary Indication (in this cohort) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carcinosin | 6 | 26.1% | Strong family H/O cancer; perfectionism; craving for chocolate/salt |
| Silicea | 4 | 17.4% | Frailty; chronic suppurative processes (infections); lack of grit; chilly |
| Calcarea carbonica | 3 | 13.0% | Constitutional remedy; fatigue; anxiety; tendency to feel overwhelmed |
| Phosphorus | 3 | 13.0% | Bleeding tendencies; anxiety; thirst for cold water; sympathetic |
| Scirrhinum | 2 | 8.7% | Nodal affinity; hard, indurated pathologies; nosode for cancer |
| Conium maculatum | 2 | 8.7% | Glandular affections; weakness progressing upward; neuropathy |
Response Timeline: The average time to initial subjective improvement (e.g., better sleep, improved mood) was 3.2 weeks. Noticeable improvement in primary physical symptoms like pain was typically reported within 8-10 weeks. Time to maximum benefit ranged from 6 to 18 months.
Case Illustrations
Case 1: 58-year-old Female
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Presentation: Diagnosed with IgG Kappa MM. Severe, debilitating lower back pain (9/10), profound fatigue, and intense anxiety about her prognosis. Post-chemotherapy, she suffered from persistent nausea and numbness in her feet.
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Constitutional Picture: Fastidious, conscientious, with a strong fear of cancer (Carcinosin miasm). Craved salty foods.
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Remedy & Rationale: Carcinosin 1M was selected based on the strong cancerous diathesis, mental generals (perfectionism, anxiety), and physical cravings.
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Outcome: After one month, her anxiety reduced significantly, and she reported a 50% reduction in back pain. After three months, her energy levels improved markedly, and neuropathy was less bothersome. She continued to do well on occasional doses over 24 months.
Case 2: 72-year-old Male
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Presentation: Relapsed MM with chronic anemia and recurrent chest infections. Complained of icy coldness, profuse sweating on the scalp, and extreme exhaustion.
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Constitutional Picture: Mentally, he lacked confidence and was yielding in nature. Physically, very chilly.
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Remedy & Rationale: Silicea 200C was prescribed due to its affinity for suppurative processes (infections), its characteristic chilliness, and the constitutional picture of lack of “grit” or assertiveness.
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Outcome: The frequency and severity of his infections reduced dramatically within two months. His energy levels and blood counts stabilized. The remedy was repeated infrequently over 18 months with sustained benefit.
Discussion
This case study suggests that individualized homeopathy may offer a beneficial complementary role in the management of Multiple Myeloma. An overall improvement rate of 82.6% (combining marked, moderate, and mild categories) in subjective well-being and symptom control is clinically significant, particularly in a population grappling with the side effects of intensive conventional treatment.
The CurePlus™ system provided a structured framework for navigating the complexity of these cases, ensuring a systematic approach to individualization beyond just physical symptoms. The remedy pattern observed aligns with homeopathic literature: Carcinosin and Scirrhinum for the cancerous diathesis; Silicea for supporting vitality and resolving chronic infections; and constitutional pillars like Calcarea carbonica and Phosphorus for addressing the patient’s core vitality.
The observed effects are likely multifactorial. Homeopathy may work by modulating the neuro-immune axis, reducing the inflammatory cascade responsible for pain and fatigue, and mitigating the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, thereby improving tolerance and adherence to conventional treatment.
Limitations: The retrospective design, lack of a control group, and relatively small sample size limit the generalizability of the findings. Outcomes were patient-reported, introducing potential for bias. These results indicate a signal worthy of further investigation rather than providing definitive evidence of efficacy.
Conclusion
This analysis of 23 cases indicates that individualized homeopathic intervention, facilitated by the structured CurePlus™ analysis system, is associated with improved symptom control and quality of life in patients with Multiple Myeloma. The approach is safe, non-invasive, and appears to complement conventional oncology care by addressing the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally. These promising findings underscore the necessity for future rigorous, prospective, randomized controlled trials to objectively evaluate the efficacy of homeopathy in integrative oncology protocols for hematological malignancies.