Multiple Myeloma Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance

Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have an M-protein in the serum without symptoms or findings of multiple myeloma, macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, or lymphoma and with fewer than 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow.^1,2 Multiple myeloma, other plasma cell dyscrasia, or lymphoma will develop in 5% of patients by 5 years, 15% by 10 years, and 30% by 15 years. Unfortunately, patients who will eventually develop plasma cell malignancy or lymphoma cannot be identified on the basis of level of M-protein, peripheral blood count, type of monoclonal immunoglobulin, percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow, or levels of normal immunoglobulins. Therefore, all patients with MGUS must be kept under observation to detect increases in M-protein levels and development of one of the above malignancies.

References:

1. Blade J, Kyle RA: Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance. In: Malpas JS, Bergsagel DE, Kyle RA, et al. eds.: Myeloma: Biology and Management. 2nd ed., Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1998, pp 513-544.
2. Kyle RA: "Benign" monoclonal gammopathy - after 20 to 35 years of follow-up. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 68(1): 26-36, 1993.

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