International research group publishes updated criteria for diagnosing multiple myeloma

The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) today announced that it has updated the criteria for diagnosing multiple myeloma. A paper outlining the new criteria was published in the journal Lancet Oncology. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell.

"Our group, which includes more than 180 myeloma researchers worldwide, has updated the definition of for diagnostic purposes to include validated biomarkers in addition to the current clinical symptoms used for diagnosis which include, elevated blood calcium levels, kidney failure, anemia and bone lesions," said lead author S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D. a hematologist at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Rajkumar said multiple myeloma is always preceded sequentially by two asymptomatic conditions, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).

However, since MGUS and SMM are both asymptomatic conditions, most myeloma are not diagnosed until organ damage occurs. "The new IMWG criteria allow for the diagnosis of myeloma to be made in patients without symptoms and before organ damage occurs, using validated biomarkers that identify patients with SMM who have an "ultra-high" risk of progression to multiple myeloma," Dr. Rajkumar said. "These biomarkers are associated with the near inevitable development of clinical symptoms and are important for early diagnosis and treatment which is very important for patients."

Dr. Rajkumar said other updates to the criteria used to diagnose multiple myeloma include the use of CT and PET-CT scans to identify which will enable more accurate diagnosis and intervention before fractures or other serious problems arise. "We believe that the new criteria will rectify the situation where we were unable to use the considerable advances in multiple myeloma therapy prior to . We can now initiate therapy in some patients early on in the course of their disease."

Dr. Rajkumar said numerous investigators conducted the primary research that made the criteria update possible and that he is thankful for the support of patients and patient advocates whose stories and thoughts provided the impetus for this paradigm shift.

Journal information: Lancet Oncology
Provided by Mayo Clinic
Citation: International research group publishes updated criteria for diagnosing multiple myeloma (2014, October 27) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-10-international-group-publishes-criteria-multiple.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Precursor of multiple myeloma more common in blacks than whites, study finds (w/ Video)

 shares

Feedback to editors