Cured Multiple Myeloma Followed by Primary Malignant Lymphoma of the Lung

A 56-year-old patient was found to have smouldering myeloma which remained asymptomatic and untreated for 13 years. Localised osteolytic lesions then appeared, which responded to local irradiation. Six years later, an increased serum M-protein became evident (IgG$LD, 3 gr/dl) associated with 35% plasma cells in the bone marrow, which necessitated melphalan/prednisone therapy. A prolonged complete remission was achieved lasting 6 years. Thereafter, the patient developed a myelodysplastic syndrome with leukopenia and refractory anemia and he finally died of pulmonary disease. Autopsy revealed extensive thoracic involvement by a primary malignant lymphoma of the lungs (IgMK) with no evidence of myeloma. Such a long follow-up with subsequent cure is rare in multiple myeloma as is the appearance of a second B cell malignancy, which may either be associated with the myeloma and/or chemotherapy given, or a coincidental occurrence.