Relevant prognostic features of multiple myeloma and the new International Staging System

Abstract

The new International Staging System should be reported in all future studies of multiple myeloma. However, the system fails to account for recent research findings pertaining to mechanisms of disease progression. This review describes development of the International Staging System and details prognostic factors that may further our understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma.

Keywords:

• Gene expression profiling
• genetics
• imaging
• International Staging System
• myeloma
• prognosis