Central nervous system myeloma: Pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, and practical management strategies

Eirini Katodritou1, Evangelos Terpos2

  • 1Department of Hematology Theagenio Cancer Hospital Thessaloniki Greece.

Hemasphere
|October 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Central nervous system multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) is a rare and aggressive cancer. This review addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of CNS-MM, offering insights for better patient management.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Central nervous system multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) is a rare extramedullary manifestation of multiple myeloma.
  • It is associated with a poor prognosis and presents significant treatment challenges.
  • Limited data exists on its incidence, risk factors, and optimal management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of CNS-MM.
  • To provide practical insights into real-life management strategies for CNS-MM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on CNS-MM.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches.
  • Synthesis of real-world management data.

Main Results:

  • CNS-MM diagnosis is often delayed due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms.
  • Treatment strategies are varied and often extrapolated from systemic myeloma protocols.
  • Long-term outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need for specialized approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Improved diagnostic tools and risk stratification are crucial for CNS-MM.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for optimizing treatment and patient care.
  • Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for CNS-MM management.

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