Plasma cell myeloma: biology and treatment.

Plasma cell myeloma results from malignant transformation in an early hemopoietic precursor cell. The disease progresses from an asymptomatic stable phase through a symptomatic phase to a terminal acute phase marked by aggressive cell growth and marrow failure. The activation of a series of oncogenes may govern the initiation and stepwise progression of these neoplasms. Chemotherapy causes the tumor to regress in about 50% of patients and improves survival, but it does not alter the course of the disease. Interferon maintenance therapy prolongs remission durations and appears to alter the course of the disease.