title: Plasma Cell Disorders.
abstract: Plasma cell disorders are benign, premalignant, and malignant conditions characterized by the presence of a monoclonal paraprotein detected in serum or urine. These conditions are biologically, pathologically, and clinically heterogeneous. There have been major advances in the understanding of the biology of these diseases, which are promoting the development of therapies with novel mechanisms of action. Novel agents such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies have gained approval in the United States and Europe for the treatment of plasma cell disorders. Such therapies are translating into higher rates of response and survival and better toxicity profiles.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematological Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Mayer 221, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Electronic address: Jorgej_castillo@dfci.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Jorge J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D010265:Paraproteinemias / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D011320:Primary Health Care
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Amyloidosis; MGUS; Multiple myeloma; POEMS; Waldenström macroglobulinemia