An European Myeloma Network recommendation on tools for diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma: what to use and when

Publication

An European Myeloma Network recommendation on tools for diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma: what to use and when

Journal Paper/Review - Aug 31, 2018

Caers Jo, Boccadoro Mario, Gramatzki Martin, Zweegman Sonja, Einsele Hermann, Cavo Michele, Goldschmidt Hartmut, Sonneveld Pieter, Delforge Michel, Auner Holger W, Terpos Evangelos, Dimopoulos Meletios A, Driessen Christoph, Larocca Alessandra, Garderet Laurent, Kortüm K Martin, O'Dwyer Michael E, van de Donk Niels W C J, Binder Mascha, Dold Sandra Maria, Gay Francesca, Corre Jill, Beguin Yves, Ludwig Heinz, Engelhardt Monika

Citation

Caers J, Boccadoro M, Gramatzki M, Zweegman S, Einsele H, Cavo M, Goldschmidt H, Sonneveld P, Delforge M, Auner H, Terpos E, Dimopoulos M, Driessen C, Larocca A, Garderet L, Kortüm K, O'Dwyer M, van de Donk N, Binder M, Dold S, Gay F, Corre J, Beguin Y, Ludwig H, Engelhardt M. An European Myeloma Network recommendation on tools for diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma: what to use and when. Haematologica 2018

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Haematologica 2018

Publication Date

Aug 31, 2018

Issn Electronic

1592-8721

Brief description/objective

The diagnosis of multiple myeloma can be challenging, even for experienced physicians, and requires close collaboration between multiple disciplines (orthopedics, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, hematology and oncology) before the final diagnosis of myeloma is made. The definition of multiple myeloma is based on the presence of clinical, biochemical, histo-pathological, and radiological disease markers. At presentation and during follow-up, specific tests are needed for exact disease characterization and correct diagnosis. These tests can also serve as prognostic markers and are useful for follow-up of a myeloma patient. In addition, molecular analyses remain pivotal for defining high-risk myeloma and are used in updated patient stratifications, while minimal residual disease assessment via flow cytometry, molecular techniques and radiological approaches allow to acquire additional prognostic information on patients' long-term outcome. This pivotal information will guide our future treatment decisions in forthcoming clinical trials. The European Myeloma Network group here updated their guidelines on different diagnostic recommendations, which should be of value to allow their appropriate use both at diagnosis and follow-up.