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Plasma cell myeloma

An evidence-led atlas of clonal plasma-cell disease, distinction from MGUS and smoldering states, organ injury, and risk-adapted systemic therapy.

plasma cell myeloma · multiple myeloma · myeloma

MONDO:0009693Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · c0ab864bd964

Disease class
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer involving proliferation of clonal plasma cells in bone marrow.
Core mechanism
Abnormal plasma cells may produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin or free light chains.
Genes or cause
MGUS, smoldering myeloma, and active myeloma requiring treatment are distinguished by defined criteria.
Typical features
Bone pain or fracture, anemia, kidney dysfunction, hypercalcemia, and recurrent infection can occur.
Variability
Defined myeloma biomarkers can identify treatment-requiring disease before overt organ injury.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis integrates serum and urine monoclonal protein, serum free light chains, bone-marrow examination, and whole-body imaging.
Management
Cytogenetics and FISH, albumin, beta-2 microglobulin, LDH, and other measures inform stage and risk.
Treatment and research
An asymptomatic monoclonal protein is not equivalent to active myeloma; monitoring or treatment is selected by risk.
Reading evidence
Initial therapy uses combinations selected by fitness, cytogenetic risk, kidney function, and transplant eligibility.
Key caution
Autologous stem-cell transplantation and maintenance therapy are incorporated for selected patients.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer involving proliferation of clonal plasma cells in bone marrow.

Bone pain or fracture, anemia, kidney dysfunction, hypercalcemia, and recurrent infection can occur.

How the disease works

Abnormal plasma cells may produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin or free light chains.

MGUS, smoldering myeloma, and active myeloma requiring treatment are distinguished by defined criteria.

Why experiences vary

Defined myeloma biomarkers can identify treatment-requiring disease before overt organ injury.

Diagnosis and management

Diagnosis integrates serum and urine monoclonal protein, serum free light chains, bone-marrow examination, and whole-body imaging.

Treatment status

Cytogenetics and FISH, albumin, beta-2 microglobulin, LDH, and other measures inform stage and risk.

An asymptomatic monoclonal protein is not equivalent to active myeloma; monitoring or treatment is selected by risk.

Reading clinical trials

Supportive care addresses bone disease, pain, infection, thrombosis, kidney function, and treatment toxicities.

Topics for a clinical visit

Clinical discussion should cover disease state, organ injury, cytogenetic risk, treatment fitness, infection, thrombosis and neurotoxicity risks, and goals.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.