MGUS Patients Can Progress to Multiple Myeloma In Just 5 Years

Researchers at MSKCC (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) recently found that patients with "a low- or intermediate-risk MGUS, a precursor to MM [multiple myeloma], can convert to high-risk MGUS and develop MM within just 5 years".

MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) is typically diagnosed in patients while visiting the doctor for other medical reasons, not for signs and symptoms of MGUS because they are highly undetectable. Previous research shows it can start at age 30 and is present in 2.3% of people age 50 years or older.

“This study based on prospectively collected samples helps us to better understand the findings of the prior retrospective studies,” C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, explained in a statement. “Previously reported annual risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma of 0.5% to 1% reflected the average risk among all MGUS cases but were not applicable to individual patients.”

“The findings suggest that individuals with low-risk or intermediate-risk MGUS, including those with light-chain MGUS, can experience progression to high-risk MGUS multiple myeloma within 5 years,” the authors concluded. “Our results may be clinically relevant and support annual blood tests for all individuals diagnosed with MGUS or light-chain MGUS.”

All patients who are diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) should undergo annual blood testing and risk assessment for developing multiple myeloma, according to a new study in JAMA Oncology.

Read the full article with study details here.