[Research advances of extramedullary relapse in multiple myeloma - review]

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2012 Oct;20(5):1261-6.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder characterized by the abnormal expansion and accumulation of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow in association with production of monoclonal immunoglobulin and its fragment (as protein), and MM remains an incurable disease. Recently extramedullary relapse of MM is more frequent especially in patients treated with stem cell transplantation and/or novel drugs. This review focuses the incidence of extramedullary relapse in MM, mechanisms involved in extramedullary myeloma spread, tumor characteristics at extramedullary sites as well as prognosis and response to therapy.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology*
  • Recurrence