Haematology & Oncology

Myeloma

A clonal plasma-cell malignancy produces monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chains and damages bone, kidneys, marrow and immunity; diagnosis and treatment depend on a myeloma-defining event, disease biology, fitness and patient priorities.

Definition

Multiple myeloma is a malignant clonal plasma-cell neoplasm, usually involving bone marrow and producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin or free light chain. Active disease is defined by the plasma-cell clone plus attributable organ damage or a myeloma-defining biomarker.

First principles

The clone and its protein explain the clinical pattern

Multiple myeloma is a clonal plasma-cell neoplasm that usually grows in the bone marrow and secretes a monoclonal immunoglobulin or free light chain. Normal antibody production is suppressed, while the paraprotein and light chains can injure organs. This connects recurrent infection, renal impairment, hyperviscosity and the CRAB pattern rather than treating them as unrelated findings.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

The rest of this extended textbook page is part of full access. Create a free account to read the sample topics in full and try sample questions, then upgrade to unlock every high-yield and extended page, plus the complete question bank.

This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.