ABSTRACT
Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is a clonal late B-cell disorder in which malignant plasma cells expand and accumulate in the bone marrow (BM) resulting in cytopenias, bone resorption (lytic bone lesions; Figure 17.1), and production of serum monoclonal protein (M protein) [1–4]. The majority of patients with myeloma evolve from the premalignant stage (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance [MGUS]) [5–7]. MGUS is present in over 3% of the population above the age of 50 years and progresses to myeloma or related neoplasms at a rate of 1% per year.
