Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a malignant disease of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is characterized by the production of a monoclonal immunoglobulin molecule, which can be detected in the serum, the urine or both, and is often associated with bone pain, anaemia and renal failure. Myeloma accounts for about 1% of all cancers and there are about 3000 new cases each year in the UK. The incidence increases with age; most patients are over 60 years old, and myeloma is rare below the age of 40 years. It is more common in individuals of Black African descent and in men. The cause is unknown in most patients, though there is evidence that overexposure to radiation increases the risk. Myeloma is currently incurable (except possibly by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation); median survival is 3–4 years.
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