[Prognostic factors and standard therapy of multiple myeloma]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma with a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. In different studies median survival time has been measured between 19 and 50 months. Several prognostic factors help to subdivide the patient population in risk groups. The treatment is palliative until now and the individual concept of therapy includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatment modalities. Evidence of progressive or symptomatic disease is usually required for initiation of chemotherapy.