ENGLISH ABSTRACT
JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

[Pathogenesis of multiple myeloma].

Der Internist 2019 January
BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by monoclonal plasma cells infiltrating the bone marrow thereby causing anemia and lytic bone lesions. Despite significant improvement in overall survival, most MM patients inevitably, yet unpredictably, develop refractory disease and MM remains largely incurable.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the stages of progression and presents current insights into the pathogenesis of MM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Discussion of basic conceptional works and most recent scientific publications.

RESULTS: Genetic predisposition, inflammation and abnormal immune response are responsible for the pathogenesis of MM. The initiating genomic event occurs during B cell maturation and clonal plasma cells are disseminated within the bone marrow (BM). This early stage is called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The next stage of asymptomatic myeloma, shows a BM infiltration >10%. End organ damage defines symptomatic MM requiring treatment. According to most recent studies MM is characterized by spatial clonal heterogeneity, with aggressive clones frequently being restricted to focal lesions and therefore not being detectable at the iliac crest. Aggressive clones often present with complete inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and are selected during treatment, which explains the difficulties in treating relapsed MM.

CONCLUSION: The tumor biology determines the progression of MM and underlies the heterogeneous response to treatment, which can be observed despite intensive treatment.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app