What are myeloma cells ?
Myeloma cells are neoplastically transformed plasma cells. From cytogenetic and molecular studies in human myeloma patients and mouse myeloma models, a multi-step model of the evolution of myeloma has been hypothesized. An early event is chromosomal translocation in the immunoglobulin heavy chain site, leading to the immortalization of a plasma cell clone. A potential clinical manifestation of this event is monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). The condition is denoted by the presence of a serum monoclonal protein (M-protein or paraprotein) in the absence of significant infiltration of the bone marrow or extramedullary tissues by plasma cells. This is a well recognized disorder in man that is clinically associated with an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma (Kyle 1993). Molecular studies have confirmed that further chromosomal changes, including deletions of genes and / or activation of oncogenes, allows the creation of a neoplastic plasma cell (Seidl et al 20
