[Prognostic factors and monitoring of myeloma]

An improved knowledge of the initial prognostic factors of multiple myeloma and regular monitoring of the disease should result in the choice of the most effective treatment. The conventional prognostic factors have been divided into three stages by Durie and Salmon. These stages are based on the proportion and type of the monoclonal component, on haemoglobin, calcium and creatinine blood levels and on the extent of bone lesions. However, this widely used classification has certain disadvantages: the size of the tumoral mass is evaluated mainly from the proportion of monoclonal gammopathy, the bone lesions are difficult to determine and the kinetics of cell proliferation are not taken into account. Parameters with high prognostic value have recently been demonstrated; they include beta 2-microglobulin, LDH, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, serum albumin and kinetic of cell proliferation. When associated, these data allow to establish prognostic staying that are at least as relevant as those of the Durie-Salmon's classification. Monitoring of patients with multiple myeloma by means of a time-related curve of either the tumoral mass or the amount of monoclonal gammopathy leads to the best possible treatment.