Understanding Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy in which abnormal plasma cells may damage the kidneys, bone, and other organ systems.1-4 In the United States, more than 36,000 new diagnoses of multiple myeloma are expected each year, along with more than 12,000 multiple myeloma-associated deaths.5

Assessment of cytogenetic abnormalities and disease staging are important components of the evaluation of multiple myeloma, as these play a significant role in choosing optimal therapeutic pathways and gaining insight into potential treatment response. Important staging systems are the International Staging System (ISS) and the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) (Table).1 Of note, a second revision of the international staging system (R2-ISS) is also employed, but it is only validated for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.1

References

  1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network®. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Multiple Myeloma. Version 2.2025. April 11,2025. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/myeloma.pdf
  2. Syeda MZ, Hong T, Huang C, Huang W, Mu Q. B cell memory: From generation to reactivation: A multipronged defense wall against pathogens. Cell Death Discov. 2024;10:117. DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01889-5
  3. Gau YC, Yeh TJ, Hsu CM, Hsiao SY, Hsiao H. Pathogenesis and treatment of myeloma-related bone disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:3112. DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063112
  4. Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E, Rosinol L, Bladé J, Ludwig H. Pathogenesis and treatment of renal failure in multiple myeloma. Leukemia. 2008;22:1485-1493.DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.131
  5. Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Giaquinto AN, et al. Cancer statistics, 2025. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025;75:10-45. DOI: 10.3322/caac.21871

  6. Gold SS, Guh G. Multiple Myeloma: Everything You Need to Know. January 8, 2024. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/multiple-myeloma
  7. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Myeloma. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html

ALL URLs accessed April 21, 2025

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top

For optimized Clinical Trial Tracker use, please utilize Chrome or Firefox browsers