Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Advances in Multiple Myeloma: A Review Article

Blood Lymphat Cancer. 2023 Sep 15:13:33-57. doi: 10.2147/BLCTT.S272703. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the abnormal clonal proliferation of plasma cells that may result in focal bone lesions, renal failure, anemia, and/or hypercalcemia. Recently, the diagnosis and treatment of MM have evolved due to a better understanding of disease pathophysiology, improved risk stratification, and new treatments. The incorporation of new drugs, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, anti-CD38 antibodies and high-dose chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, has resulted in a significant improvement in patient outcomes and QoL. In this review, we summarize differential diagnoses and therapeutic advances in MM.

Keywords: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia; light-chain amyloidosis; multiple myeloma; myeloma; smoldering myeloma.

Publication types

  • Review