[Clinical features of multiple myeloma]

The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has recently proposed a new classification of asymptomatic myeloma and symptomatic myeloma. The distinction between asymptomatic and symptomatic myeloma depends on the presence or absence of the myeloma-related organ or tissue impairment (ROTI) defined by the IMWG. Based on the definition, some patients without clinical symptoms may fall into the "symptomatic" group because of insidious organ impairment by myeloma. Or others with clinical symptoms may fall into "asymptomatic" group, if no organ impairment is proven to be myeloma related. Recognition of the clinical features developed by ROTI is not only important for the diagnosis of symptomatic myeloma but also for the immediate institution of effective treatment. Immediate and proper management of the clinical features of symptomatic myeloma patients will have a great impact on quality of life and survival.