Haem: Plasma cell myeloma and MGUS Flashcards
What is the primary job of plasma cells?
To produce immunoglobulins and antibodies
What is myeloma essentially?
cancer of very mature B cells
How are plasma cells produced?
Centroblasts mature in the lymph nodes and are stimulated by antigens to turn into plasmablasts
Plasmablasts are then refined to perfectly fit the antigens they were exposed to
They downregulate and upregulate certain transcription factors
These plasmablasts eventually turn into plasma cells
What is MGUS?
Pre malignant condition. While only 1-2% of these annually progress onto myeloma, all myeloma definitely spring from MGUS.
What are the 2 most common haematopoietic malignancies?
B cell lymphomas
MGUS
What is the biochem of MGUS?
Monoclonal serum protein (IgG/ IgA) < 30g/L
Bone marrow plasma cells < 10%
Annual risk to progression of multiple myeloma is 1-2%
This is rare in young, increasing incidence with age (5% < 70 years)
What symptoms does MGUS have?
None
What is the biochem of smouldering myeloma?
Monoclonal serum protein (IgG/ IgA) ≥ 30g/L
Bone marrow plasma cells ≥ 10%
Annual risk of progression to multiple myeloma is 10%
What is the pnemonic for MGUS diagnosis?
CRAB
Calcium high
Renal impairment
Anaemia
Bone lesions
+ monoclonal protein
What kind of bone lesions do you find in myeloma?
Osteolytic
What are the 2 medical emergencies of myeloma?
Spinal cord compression
Hypercalcaemia
How to diagnose spinal cord compression?
MRI
Ig studies
FLC
What to do for spinal cord compression?
Dexamethasone
What criteria is used for MGUS?
Mayo
What is the most common cytogenetic abnormality in myeloma?
Hyper diploid karyotype