CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE MYELOMA: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

<p>Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in which pathological plasma cells secrete monoclonal proteins, ultimately leading to end-organ damage. Albumin, β2-microglobulin, and LDH are considered highly relevant biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. There are different types of treatment available depending on the age and eligibility for the autologous stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to investigate basic characteristics, prognostic biomarkers, and the use of different treatment protocols of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study included 50 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Data was collected from their medical records and the statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 15.0 program. The average age of patients at the time of making the diagnosis was 64, with the predominance of female patients. The most common type of myeloma was IgG kappa. More than half of the patients had advanced stage of multiple myeloma and a high-risk disease, according to the prognostic score at the time of the diagnosis. The results showed that almost all patients had elevated levels of β2 microglobulin. The most commonly used protocols in younger patients eligible for transplantation were VTD and CTD, whereas patients who were not suitable for transplantation were treated with melphalan-based protocols. The results of this study showed that basic characteristics, prognostic biomarkers, and the treatment modalities used in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients are similar to those described in global clinical practice.</p>