Diagnosis, treatment, and response assessment in solitary plasmacytoma: updated recommendations from a European Expert Panel

J Hematol Oncol. 2018 Jan 16;11(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s13045-017-0549-1.

Abstract

Solitary plasmacytoma is an infrequent form of plasma cell dyscrasia that presents as a single mass of monoclonal plasma cells, located either extramedullary or intraosseous. In some patients, a bone marrow aspiration can detect a low monoclonal plasma cell infiltration which indicates a high risk of early progression to an overt myeloma disease. Before treatment initiation, whole body positron emission tomography-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to exclude the presence of additional malignant lesions. For decades, treatment has been based on high-dose radiation, but studies exploring the potential benefit of systemic therapies for high-risk patients are urgently needed. In this review, a panel of expert European hematologists updates the recommendations on the diagnosis and management of patients with solitary plasmacytoma.

Keywords: Extramedullary plasmacytoma; MRI; Myeloma; PET/CT; Plasma cell dyscrasia; Radiotherapy; Solitary plasmacytoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Plasmacytoma / diagnosis*
  • Plasmacytoma / epidemiology
  • Plasmacytoma / therapy*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome