Multiple Myeloma and Related Precursor Diseases

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of hematologic cancer that is characterized by abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and abnormal proteins (produced by the abnormal plasma cells) that can be detected in blood or urine. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in many tissues of the body but mostly in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are part of the body's immune system. Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells. They collect in the bone marrow and may damage the solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several different bones, the disease is called multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may also harm other tissues and organs such as the kidneys.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM)

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma-cell disease associated with a high risk of progression to multiple myeloma. Abnormalities in plasma cells cause them to make too much of a protein called M protein that builds up in the urine; such abnormalities also cause an increase in the number of myeloma cells in the bone marrow. Because there are usually no symptoms, SMM is often diagnosed by chance during a routine blood or urine test.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)

Recent data show that myeloma is consistently preceded by a precursor state, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In this type of plasma cell disease, less than 10 percent of the bone marrow is made up of abnormal plasma cells and there is no cancer. The abnormal plasma cells make M protein, which is sometimes found during a routine blood or urine test. In most patients, the amount of M protein stays the same and there are no symptoms or health problems. In some patients, MGUS progresses to multiple myeloma or related conditions.

It is estimated that 22,350* people in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013.

Treatment options for multiple myeloma and related precursor diseases vary depending on the stage of the disease, previous treatment, and other medical conditions. Talk with your doctor about what treatment options may be available for you.

*American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013

Multiple Myeloma and Related Precursor Diseases Clinical Trials

The NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR) conducts clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. CCR is currently conducting the following trials for multiple myeloma and related precursor diseases. Click on the trials below for additional details, including a summary of key eligibility criteria, study outline, and information on how to contact the principal investigators and their staff directly.

For information on a particular trial or to discuss a screening visit, contact a member of the research team listed on the trial’s summary.

If you need further assistance, call our toll-free number at 1-888-NCI-1937 (1-888-624-1937) to be connected to a referral coordinator appropriate for your diagnosis.