Risk stratification in multiple myeloma – A review and update

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy of plasma cell origin with a prevalence rate of 1% and 10% of all cancers and hematopoietic malignancies, respectively. Though the median survival time has improved dramatically in the patients diagnosed with MM with the administration of novel therapeutic agents, the disease, by and large, remains incurable with frequent progression and relapses. In the recent past, an increased understanding of MM pathogenesis has opened facets for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and response assessment in patients diagnosed with MM. This review focuses on the various laboratory and clinical features used to stratify the MM patients into high vs. low-risk groups. Furthermore, it also highlights the role of artificial intelligence-based innovative research tools for risk stratification and prognostication in MM patients.