title: Diagnosis and follow-up of monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance; information for referring physicians.
abstract: The prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is generally estimated at 3.4% in the general population over 50 years, and its incidence increases with age. MGUS represents a preneoplastic entity that can transform into multiple myeloma or other lymphoproliferative disorders. The risk of malignant transformation is estimated at 1% per year and persists over time. Predictors of malignant transformation have been identified such as the heavy chain isotype, The level of monoclonal proteins, increasing levels of the monoclonal component during the first years off follow-up, the percentage of bone marrow plasmocytosis, the dosage of serum free light chains, the presence of immunophenotypically abnormal plasma cells, aneuploidy, and the presence of circulating plasma cells. Prognostic scores that combine certain of these factors have been proposed and allow the identification of high-risk patients. Their use could assist in tailoring the care for each patient, based on his/her risk profile.
authors.affiliation: CHU de Liège, Belgium. Jo.Caers@chu.ulg.ac.be
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Caers
authors.forename: Marie-Christiane
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Vekemans
authors.forename: Greet
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bries
authors.forename: Karolien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beel
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Delrieu
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deweweire
authors.forename: Hilde
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Demuynck
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: De Prijck
authors.forename: Hadewijch
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: De Samblanx
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kentos
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Meuleman
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mineur
authors.forename: Fritz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Offner
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vande Broek
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Droogenbroeck
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vande Velde
authors.forename: Ka Lung
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Delforge
authors.forename: Rik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schots
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Doyen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000378:metabolism; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000378:metabolism; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008998:Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains