{"title":"Where are the immunoglobulins? A review of non-secretory multiple myeloma.","authors":"Marcello Pecoraro Toscano, Megan O Nakashima","doi":"10.1007/s12308-025-00652-8","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of clonal plasma cells, typically associated with the production of a monoclonal protein. In 1-3% of cases, MM presents without measurable monoclonal protein (M protein) in the serum or urine and normal serum-free light chains; these cases are referred to as non-secretory MM (NSMM). This definition has changed over time according to the sensitivity of laboratory methods for detecting paraproteins. NSMM has been previously reported to have a less aggressive presentation and clinical course compared to secretory MM; however, the literature is conflicting. Recent studies have indicated that NSMM may exhibit different responses to therapy and outcomes, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach. This review consolidates the current understanding of NSMM and underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques in improving patient management and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51320,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hematopathology","volume":"18 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12325458/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Hematopathology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12308-025-00652-8","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"HEMATOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of clonal plasma cells, typically associated with the production of a monoclonal protein. In 1-3% of cases, MM presents without measurable monoclonal protein (M protein) in the serum or urine and normal serum-free light chains; these cases are referred to as non-secretory MM (NSMM). This definition has changed over time according to the sensitivity of laboratory methods for detecting paraproteins. NSMM has been previously reported to have a less aggressive presentation and clinical course compared to secretory MM; however, the literature is conflicting. Recent studies have indicated that NSMM may exhibit different responses to therapy and outcomes, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach. This review consolidates the current understanding of NSMM and underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques in improving patient management and outcomes.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Hematopathology aims at providing pathologists with a special interest in hematopathology with all the information needed to perform modern pathology in evaluating lymphoid tissues and bone marrow. To this end the journal publishes reviews, editorials, comments, original papers, guidelines and protocols, papers on ancillary techniques, and occasional case reports in the fields of the pathology, molecular biology, and clinical features of diseases of the hematopoietic system.
The journal is the unique reference point for all pathologists with an interest in hematopathology. Molecular biologists involved in the expanding field of molecular diagnostics and research on lymphomas and leukemia benefit from the journal, too. Furthermore, the journal is of major interest for hematologists dealing with patients suffering from lymphomas, leukemias, and other diseases.
The journal is unique in its true international character. Especially in the field of hematopathology it is clear that there are huge geographical variations in incidence of diseases. This is not only locally relevant, but due to globalization, relevant for all those involved in the management of patients.