Multiple Myeloma: A Review

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignancy of plasma cells, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Multiple myeloma is the second most frequent haematological disease. There have been major advances in the past decade in the continuum of therapy for transplant — eligible and transplant non-eligible multiple myeloma patients. The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma is becoming clearer emanating from analysis of multiple myeloma cell genomes which reveals new mechanisms of transformation including mutations in the RNA exonuclease DIS3 and other genes involved in protein translation and homeostasis. This is in addition to previously suspected roles of NF-kB (Nuclear Factor Kappa B; a transcription factor) activation and HMT (Haematopietic Marrow Tissue) dysfunction in the biology of multiple myeloma.

This review therefore summarizes the current knowledge of multiple myeloma from the perspective of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, treatment and prognosis.