MULTIPLE MYELOMA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This literature review gathered medical books and articles published preferably in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese in the last five years in the PUBMED and SciELO databases with the main objective of reviewing multiple myeloma, indicating its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells, characterized by excessive production of immunoglobulin and bone marrow infiltration. This leads to complications such as bone lesions, renal failure, hypercalcemia and anemia. The pathogenesis involves stages such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and asymptomatic multiple myeloma, culminating in symptomatic MM with target organ damage. Genetic and epigenetic alterations, in addition to interaction with the bone marrow microenvironment, are crucial in the progression. Diagnosis requires tests such as protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, bone marrow biopsy and imaging tests. Treatment has evolved with proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies and stem cell transplantation, adapting to the individual risk of the patient. Research focuses on targeted therapies and precision medicine to improve outcomes.