Abstract
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are asymptomatic, pre-malignant disorders characterized by monoclonal plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow and absence of end-organ damage. Recent advances in the pathogenesis, natural history, and prognosis of MGUS and SMM are reviewed. A new risk stratification system to determine the prognosis of MGUS using the size and type of M protein, and the serum free light chain assay is discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14
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Disease Progression
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Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
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Multiple Myeloma / genetics
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Multiple Myeloma / pathology
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Multiple Myeloma / physiopathology*
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Multiple Myeloma / therapy
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Myeloma Proteins / metabolism
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Paraproteinemias / genetics
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Paraproteinemias / pathology
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Paraproteinemias / physiopathology*
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Paraproteinemias / therapy
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Precancerous Conditions / genetics
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Precancerous Conditions / pathology
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Prognosis
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Renal Insufficiency / etiology
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Risk Factors
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Translocation, Genetic
Substances
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Glycoproteins
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
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Myeloma Proteins
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multiple myeloma M-proteins
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protein M (glycoprotein)