Multiple Myeloma Specialist in Guatemala
Multiple myeloma is treatable. And in many cases, leads to prolonged remission.
Multiple myeloma is no longer the disease it was 20 years ago. With monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, and autologous transplant, many patients reach deep, lasting remissions. Prognosis depends on each case's genetic profile; treatment, on functional status and transplant candidacy.
When should you consult Dr. Valvert?
You were diagnosed with multiple myeloma or MGUS and want a specialized evaluation
You have persistent bone pain in your back or ribs with no clear traumatic cause
Your blood tests show monoclonal protein or hypercalcemia
You have anemia, extreme fatigue, or frequent infections with no explanation
You are receiving treatment for myeloma and want a second opinion
You were diagnosed with myeloma without cytogenetic or FISH studies
⚡ Consultations Monday to Saturday | In person and telehealth available
3x
increase in median survival over the last 20 years with new treatments
90%+
response rate with first-line triple-therapy regimens
30%
of myeloma patients have high-risk cytogenetic alterations that change treatment
Q475
initial consultation with complete case review and treatment plan
Over 15 years dedicated to hematology and multiple myeloma.
Trained at Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, I approach every multiple myeloma diagnosis with clarity: honest second opinions, complete cytogenetic classification, and a treatment plan tailored to you.
Today's multiple myeloma is not the myeloma of 20 years ago.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells — the bone marrow cells responsible for producing antibodies. The malignant cells accumulate in the marrow, produce an abnormal protein (M protein), and damage the bones, kidneys, and immune system.
Advances in myeloma treatment over the last decade have been remarkable. With triple- and quadruple-therapy regimens that include monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab, proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib, and autologous bone marrow transplant in eligible patients, many patients reach deep, prolonged remissions. The cytogenetic profile — especially the presence of del(17p), t(4;14), or t(14;16) — is what defines the risk.
“Multiple myeloma requires cytogenetic classification from diagnosis, along with PET-CT. Not all myelomas are the same — and the treatment that works for one may be insufficient for another.”—Dra. Fabiola Valvert
Symptoms that shouldn't be ignored.
Multiple myeloma often presents with symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions. The acronym CRAB summarizes the most important manifestations — hypercalcemia, renal damage, anemia, and bone lesions.
Bone pain
Persistent pain in the back, ribs, or hips with no traumatic cause. Results from lytic lesions — bone destruction caused by malignant plasma cells. The most common symptom in multiple myeloma.
Extreme fatigue and anemia
Tiredness disproportionate to exertion, pallor, and shortness of breath on exertion. Anemia in myeloma is caused by displacement of normal cells in the bone marrow.
Frequent infections
Recurrent pneumonia, urinary infections, or viral infections. Myeloma compromises the production of normal antibodies, causing secondary immunodeficiency.
Kidney damage
Elevated creatinine, foamy urine, or swelling. Bence-Jones protein and hypercalcemia are the main causes of kidney damage in myeloma.
Hypercalcemia
Elevated blood calcium causing confusion, nausea, constipation, and excessive urination. Results from accelerated bone destruction caused by myeloma.
Pathologic fractures
Fractures with minimal trauma or spontaneous fractures, especially in the spine and ribs. A sign of advanced lytic lesions that require immediate evaluation.
Protein in urine or blood
A finding on routine exams — protein electrophoresis showing a monoclonal spike or Bence-Jones protein in urine. Often the first finding that points toward the diagnosis.
Peripheral neuropathy
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. May be a direct manifestation of myeloma or a side effect of treatment.
Do you identify with any of these?
A one-hour first consultation is enough to begin the workup and, if applicable, reach a clear diagnosis
When the diagnosis was incomplete or the myeloma progressed.
Multiple myeloma is a chronic disease that can relapse. The response to a relapse depends on the prior treatment received, the time since the last remission, and above all, the cytogenetic profile of the clone at that time. Dr. Valvert evaluates all available options with an up-to-date approach.
Myeloma without cytogenetic classification
The presence of del(17p) completely changes the risk and the treatment. Without FISH at diagnosis, it's impossible to know whether the patient has cytogenetically high-risk myeloma that requires a more intensive protocol. Dr. Valvert completes the classification when it wasn't done.
Relapsed or progressing myeloma
Multiple myeloma frequently relapses. Each relapse requires a different strategy — using agents the patient has not been previously exposed to. Current options include second-generation monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T when applicable, and new proteasome inhibitors.
MGUS or smoldering myeloma under surveillance
Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) and smoldering myeloma require active follow-up with clear progression criteria. Dr. Valvert establishes the surveillance plan and defines when to intervene.
“Multiple myeloma is a treatable disease. With the agents available today — monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, autologous transplant — many patients achieve remissions that used to be impossible.”—Dra. Fabiola Valvert
How multiple myeloma is diagnosed in consultation
Diagnosing multiple myeloma requires integrating protein studies, bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetics, and imaging studies. In the first consultation with Dr. Valvert, we review what is complete and what's missing in order to make the right treatment decisions.
Complete case review
Detailed medical history, review of prior lab work, imaging studies, and any treatment received previously. Evaluation of CRAB symptoms — hypercalcemia, renal damage, anemia, and bone lesions.
Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation
Quantification of the monoclonal component in serum and urine. Electrophoresis identifies the M spike, and immunofixation classifies the isotype — IgG, IgA, IgM, free light chains. Defines the type of myeloma and allows monitoring of treatment response.
Bone marrow biopsy
Aspiration and biopsy of the bone marrow to quantify the percentage of plasma cells and identify morphology. The percentage of plasma cell infiltration is one of the diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma.
Cytogenetics and FISH
Cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect high-risk alterations — del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), 1q21 amplification. Determines the risk group and the appropriate treatment protocol.
Imaging studies
Whole-body PET-CT or spinal MRI to identify lytic lesions, pathologic fractures, and disease extent. PET-CT is the current standard for staging and response evaluation.
Risk stratification and treatment plan
With the complete profile — isotype, cytogenetics, ISS/R-ISS stage — risk is classified and the protocol is designed: induction with triple or quadruple therapy, evaluation for autologous transplant, and maintenance with lenalidomide or daratumumab.
Why consult Dr. Valvert for multiple myeloma?
Dra. Fabiola Valvert
Hematologist specialized in Multiple Myeloma. International training at Vall d'Hebron, private practice in Guatemala City.
Trained at Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona
Dr. Valvert specialized at one of Europe's most important reference centers for hematologic disease, where she gained experience managing plasma cell diseases with the most up-to-date protocols.
Complete cytogenetic classification from diagnosis
Cytogenetic risk in multiple myeloma determines the treatment. Dr. Valvert does not design a treatment protocol without knowing the case's complete genetic profile.
Access to the latest-generation treatments
Monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab and isatuximab, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and evaluation for autologous bone marrow transplant — all available at Hospital Bonanova, Zona 15, Guatemala City.
Active long-term follow-up
Multiple myeloma is a chronic disease. Dr. Valvert accompanies her patients through post-treatment follow-up, monitors response, and acts on signs of progression before relapse becomes clinically evident.
Do you have a hematologic diagnosis? Book your consultation today.
First visit, second opinion, or transplant consultation — all options available.
Specialized Hematology in Guatemala
Dra. Fabiola Valvert - Hematóloga
15 Avenida 5-50 zona 15 Vista Hermosa 3, Edificio Spazio, Oficina 10-01Bonanova, a private hospital specializing in cancer care in Zona 15
Office Hours
Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Emergency Care
Dr. Valvert handles hematologic emergencies through Bonanova, a private hospital specializing in cancer care with full infrastructure for urgent situations.
Coverage Areas
All of Guatemala City
- • Unrestricted care throughout the capital, including Zona 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16
- • Carretera a El Salvador and surrounding areas
Metropolitan Area
- • Mixco, Villa Nueva, Santa Catarina Pinula, San Cristóbal, and surrounding municipalities
All of Guatemala
- • Care for patients from all departments of the country
- • Telehealth available for patients outside the capital
International Coverage
- • El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- • Telehealth available for international patients
Common questions, clear answers
Still have questions? Let’s talk directly on WhatsApp for personalized answers.