Diagnostic Criteria and Active Therapy Options through Medicine in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant proliferation of plasma cells and plasmacytoid cells in the bone marrow, which is almost always characterized by the presence of monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) or Ig fragments in serum or urine. Multiple myeloma is the second most common haematological malignancy in high-income countries. However, the incidence is increasing worldwide. The number of yearly cases is estimated to nearly double in 20 years. All patients suspected of having a diagnosis of multiple myeloma should undergo an important examination because the disease is generally asymptomatic. Therefore, it is necessary to know the diagnostic criteria for MM to be able to manage it appropriately. When a patient is first diagnosed with myeloma, it is important to accurately classify and stage their disease so that it is hoped that the patient’s quality of life can be improved. Improved quality of life is seen with better treatments, including medication by drugs. The goal of treatment is to reduce the disease burden to such a low level that further damage cannot occur. In recent decades, corticosteroids, alkylating agents and anthracyclines (standard chemotherapy), proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, have become FDA-approved drug-based therapies of choice. Different drug combinations can be compared to first-line active treatment with one drug if possible.