What is MGUS in Relation to Multiple Myeloma?

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) is a condition closely related to multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. To understand MGUS in relation to multiple myeloma, it's essential to know what both conditions entail.

Understanding MGUS and Multiple Myeloma

1. MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance):

   • MGUS is a relatively benign condition characterized by the presence of an abnormal protein (monoclonal protein or M protein) in the blood, typically composed of an abnormal antibody produced by plasma cells.
   • It is considered a precursor or a pre-malignant condition, as it shares some similarities with multiple myeloma but doesn't exhibit the same symptoms or complications.
   • In MGUS, the level of abnormal proteins in the blood is relatively low, and there are typically fewer than 10% abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow.
   • Most people with MGUS do not experience any symptoms or health problems as a result of this condition.
   • However, MGUS can progress to more serious conditions, such as multiple myeloma or related disorders, over time.

2. Multiple Myeloma:

   • Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies (immunoglobulins).
   • In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells proliferate uncontrollably in the bone marrow, leading to the production of an excessive amount of monoclonal proteins.
   • The accumulation of these abnormal proteins can cause several problems, including weakened bones, kidney damage, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections.
   • Multiple myeloma is considered a more advanced and aggressive form of the disease compared to MGUS.

Understanding the Relationship Between MGUS and Myeloma

The relationship between MGUS and multiple myeloma is significant because MGUS serves as a precursor to multiple myeloma in some cases. While most individuals with MGUS will not progress to multiple myeloma, some may eventually develop this cancer.

The risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma is relatively low, estimated at around 1% per year. However, regular monitoring of individuals with MGUS is essential to detect any signs of progression early. 

Monitoring MGUS

If you feel like you are not being monitored as frequently as you would like (say, once per year, if this is what you desire) make sure that you consult with more myeloma specialists until you find someone willing to monitor you at this frequency. Staying on top of your precursor disease can be a lifesaver! 

Medical professionals use various factors, including the level of monoclonal protein, the type of protein, and the percentage of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, to assess the risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and bone marrow evaluations help in monitoring and managing patients with MGUS, with the goal of detecting and treating multiple myeloma at an earlier, more manageable stage if it does develop.

Certain clinics around the country, such as Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, have made it a large focus of their myeloma department to focus on better understanding precursor disease (such as MGUS and smoldering myeloma), determining who will progress, and doing their best to find effective treatments to stop the progression of myeloma before it even starts. 

Learning about MGUS as an Informed Patient 

As an MGUS patient, learning about myeloma and all of its treatments might be too overwhelming in this stage. Though we have many MGUS patients join us in our myeloma webinars, or at our myeloma Round Tables, in the end, it is your decision how involved you want to be in your disease at this stage. 

If you are interested in learning more, here are some options: 

• Watch MGUS/Smoldering Webinars from Experts here: MGUS/Smoldering Webinars 
• Join our MGUS/Smoldering Myeloma Group to get notifications about future events: MGUS/Smoldering Group
• Learn from HealthTree University about MGUS: MGUS HealthTree University Courses
• Read Myeloma News Articles about MGUS: MGUS News on HealthTree Myeloma Site 
• Connect with a Myeloma Coach with MGUS: MGUS Coaches 1:1 Connection