BJH - volume 9, issue Multiple Myeloma Special Edition, december 2018
N. Meuleman MD, PhD, C. Doyen MD, K.L. Wu MD, PhD, P. Mineur MD, G. Bries MD, PhD, A. Kentos MD, PhD, L. Michaux MD, PhD, M. Delforge MD, PhD
With the introduction of immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors (PIs), major improvements have been achieved in the treatment and outcome of multiple myeloma (MM). Different treatment combinations are now in use and newer therapies are being developed. Nevertheless, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the corner stone of therapy for fit, newly-diagnosed MM patients. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose recommendations on myeloma care, to be used by haematologists as a reference for daily practice.
Read moreBJH - volume 9, issue Multiple Myeloma Special Edition, december 2018
K. Fostier MD, J. Caers MD, PhD
The diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) can be challenging, especially in patients with light-chain or non-secretory disease. The disease should be excluded in patients presenting with unexplained anaemia or renal failure and suspected in patients with signs of back pain combined with other systemic symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, or back pain combined with abnormal blood tests. The diagnosis is based on clinical, biological and radiological abnormalities that are resumed in the current article. At diagnosis, additional cytogenetic testing is important to determine the prognosis and guide physicians in their treatment choices. The disease is generally monitored by quantifying the monoclonal proteins in blood or urine. The follow-up of patients can be further tailored to the patients’ general status, obtained response and disease characteristics.
Read moreBJH - volume 9, issue Multiple Myeloma Special Edition, december 2018
M. Vercruyssen MD, L. Vrancken , J. Caers MD, PhD
Multiple Myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell malignancies initially present as an asymptomatic precursor state, known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). When confronted to a monoclonal protein in blood or urine tests, physicians should first exclude the presence of a treatment-requiring MM. They should be aware that there are two benign precursor states, that do not require anti-myeloma treatment. Both MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) need an initial visit by a haematologist, with further follow-up tailored to the individual patient and disease characteristics. In the current article we describe both entities, discuss their monitoring and resume the latest publications in their field.
Read more
Top
