Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (also known simply as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a presently incurable hematological malignancy of plasma cells, the cells of the immune system that produce antibodies. Although it initially develops in the bone marrow, it spreads to the peripheral blood, lymph nodes and other organs. Its prognosis despite therapy is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.

References

• {{mnb|Kyle|1}} Kyle RA, Rajkumar SV. Multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 2004;351:1860-73. PMID 15509819.
• {{mnb|IMWG|2}} International Myeloma Working Group. Criteria for the classification of monoclonal gammopathies, multiple myeloma and related disorders: a report of the International Myeloma Working Group. Br J Haematol 2003;121:749-57. PMID 12780789.