New insights into the biology and clinical progress of multiple myeloma : reports from the 56th American Society of Hematology annual meeting

Multiple myeloma(MM)is a unique cancer paradigm for investigating the mechanisms involved in the transformation from a premalignant condition(unknown monoclonal gamma globulin, MGUS)into a malignant disease(MM). In its pathogenesis, genotype characteristics of tumor clones which are highly complex and heterogeneous, as well as the dialogue between plasma cells and their microenvironment are equally important and both play a key role in the outcome of the disease. MM will soon no longer be considered as a single disease. A large number of new drug emergence and applications will increase the need for monitoring minimal residual disease(MRD)in prognosis and treatment of MM. New drugs and high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation applications have been significantly improving the prognosis of MM in the past 20 years. Re-examining the early MM diagnostic criteria and the possibility of early intervention will open up a new therapeutic approach. It is important to find a balance of efficacy, toxicity and cost in order to achieve a cure for this disease. Key words: Multiple myeloma; Cytogenetic abnormalities; Resistance; Minimal residual disease; American Society of Hematology annual meeting