Multiple Myeloma - Clinical Symptoms, Diagnostics, Prognosis, Therapy

Overview

The triad of clinical features describes multiple myeloma:
the accumulation of malignant plasma cell in the bonemarrow, paraprotein production and bone involvement. Moreover, number of characteristic and frequently specificcomplications may develop during the course of disease. Identification of new prognostic factors may be helpful forthe choice of therapy. The prognosis of patients has improved since the introduction of new therapeutic approaches,however, multiple myeloma is still mostly fatal malignancy. The clinical and laboratory characteristic of myelomaand differential diagnosis of disease are described. The results of contemporary therapy and future therapeuticapproaches are also discussed.

Key words:
multiple myeloma, MGUS, prognosis, IFN-alpha, ASCT, CD20.