Resources for people with MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

A precursor condition is the early stage of a disease that has the potential to develop into cancer. Multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells, has two precursor conditions: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). SMM and MGUS should be monitored closely because over time they can progress and develop into multiple myeloma. 

What is MGUS?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition that occurs when abnormal plasma cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. There are usually no symptoms associated with MGUS. People often learn that they have MGUS during routine bloodwork. MGUS does not typically require treatment, but it should be monitored closely, because, in some cases, it can progress to multiple myeloma. 

At age 50, 3% of the population is at risk of developing MGUS. For people with MGUS, there is a 1% chance of progression to myeloma per year. And around 10% of people with MGUS will go on to develop myeloma.

What is smoldering multiple myeloma?

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a condition where there are higher levels of abnormal cells in the blood or bone marrow than in MGUS. Just like with MGUS, patients who have SMM are monitored closely for progression to myeloma. 

Your healthcare providers will use blood tests, imaging, and, in some cases, bone marrow biopsies to monitor progression.  

Some people with SMM are low risk and others are high risk. High-risk SMM is more likely to develop into myeloma. About half of people with high-risk SMM will develop myeloma within 2 years of their diagnosis. 

Learn More About MGUS and SMM

Connect with a HealthTree Coach for support

At HealthTree, experienced patients and caregivers called Coaches are here to help by sharing their experiences and helping guide you through diagnosis and treatment.

You can connect with a coach over the phone, computer, or in person by following the link below 

Connect with a HealthTree Coach

Upcoming Gather Community Event 

Each month, Healthtree hosts Gather Community Events designed to discuss topics related to blood cancer. Participants have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, and also hear from others. 

On March 10, 2026, HealthTree is hosting a Gather Community Event for people living with MGUS or SMM. Here you can meet with others who are also navigating monitoring these precursor conditions.

Sign up to attend the event by following the link below. 

Register for the Gather Community Event

Clinical trials can answer important questions about progression

Clinical trials on precursor conditions help researchers to develop treatments that can delay or prevent progression to cancer. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute currently has several clinical trials underway that aim to better understand MGUS and SMM. 

These trials focus on:

• Understanding the differences in why progression occurs in some people and not in others 
• Establishing reliable screening methods 
• Evaluating the benefit of metformin, a medication typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, in reducing the risk of progression
• Comparing how effective different immunotherapies are 
• Exploring different combination therapies 
• Testing the impact of fasting and metabolic health and how it affects progression

Learn more about Dana-Farber’s MGUS and SMM clinical trials

MGUS and SMM Clinical Trials

HealthTree has created a clinical trial finder to help you stay up to date on the latest active clinical trials. To find out more about clinical trials and if you may be eligible to participate, follow the link below. 

HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder

Monitoring MGUS and SMM closely allows researchers to help patients better manage these conditions.  HealthTree is committed to improving outcomes for people living with myeloma or precursor conditions. By joining Cure Hub®, you can contribute your experiences through surveys that shape real-world research and drive progress in multiple myeloma care.

Join HealthTree Cure Hub

Sources: 

• HealthTree-Precursor Conditions  
• Dana-Farber Precursor Conditions 
• IMBCR-Myeloma 
• Mayo Clinic-Smoldering multiple myeloma: What it is, how it progresses and the latest research