Overview
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) high risk is a precancerous condition. People with smoldering multiple myeloma high risk have abnormal levels of protein in their blood and abnormal plasma cells in their bone marrow. It’s often found during blood or urine tests done for other reasons.
Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of smoldering multiple myeloma.
- High Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
- What Tests Will I Need And Why?
High Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma High-Risk diagnosis means that multiple myeloma is present but not yet causing symptoms or organ damage, though it is at a higher risk of progressing to active multiple myeloma.
About 50% of people diagnosed will develop multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer where plasma cells found in the bones marrow, grow abnormally. Unlike active multiple myeloma, SMM does not cause symptoms, often referred to as asymptomatic.
Low-risk SMM is typically monitored without treatment to avoid unnecessary side effects.
High-risk SMM requires closer attention and, in some cases, early intervention to prevent complications associated with active multiple myeloma.
About 10% of people with SMM progress to active multiple myeloma each year. SMM is categorized into low risk and high risk; those with high risk SMM are more likely to progress to active multiple myeloma sooner.
Helpful terms to know:
Plasma cells: These are a type of white blood cell that makes antibodies, which are like tiny soldiers in your body that fight germs. In SMM, some plasma cells become abnormal and start multiplying too much.
High-risk: This means there are more abnormal cells or proteins compared to lower-risk cases,
Smoldering: This word means that the condition is “quiet” or “simmering.”
Cancer.gov
Overview
A Multiple Myeloma diagnosis and risk level is determined using a variety of tests to see how advanced the condition is and whether it’s likely to progress. Here’s an overview of the main tests:
Blood Tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks for low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, which can indicate bone marrow issues.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) measures the level of abnormal proteins being produced by cancerous plasma cells.
Calcium Levels to determine if bone damage has been caused by multiple myeloma.
Creatinine Levels assess kidney function, which can be affected by multiple myeloma.
Urine Tests: find any abnormal proteins which are produced by abnormal plasma cells.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: primarily used to check the percentage of abnormal plasma cells verses normal plasma cells and to perform genetic testing to look for genetic abnormalities that may be linked to higher risk.
Imaging Tests: An X-ray, MRI and Pet Scan look for any bone damage or active disease.
High Risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma test results include:
- Bone marrow plasma cells are greater than 20%.
- M-protein level is greater than 2g/dL.
- Serum FLC (free light chain) ratio is greater than 20.
These factors indicate a higher likelihood of the disease advancing to active multiple myeloma.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
Recommended Multiple Myeloma Cancer Videos
What is Smoldering Myeloma?
What occurs during smoldering myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma: Symptoms, Treatment, and Patient Care
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell.
What Causes Multiple Myeloma?
Learn how an abnormal growth of plasma cells can lead to the formation of multiple myeloma
How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed and What Testing is Necessary After?
What testing is involved in multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment?
What Are the Beginning Stages of Multiple Myeloma (MM)?
What happens in early stages of multiple myeloma?
How is Multiple Myeloma Staged?
Watch as expert Dr. Abdullah Khan explains staging and its use, and myeloma patient and Empowerment Lead Lisa Hatfield shares how the use of staging and its factors have evolved over time.
Commonly Searched Questions
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Recurrence Rate
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a precursor to active multiple myeloma, and about 10-20% of people with SMM will progress to symptomatic myeloma within 2 years of diagnosis. The risk of progression is higher in individuals with certain high-risk features, such as elevated levels of monoclonal protein or a greater percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow. However, some individuals may never progress to active myeloma, and others may take 5 to 10 years to develop symptoms. Monitoring and early intervention can help manage the condition and detect any signs of progression.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Prevention
Currently, there is no proven way to prevent smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or its progression to active multiple myeloma. Since SMM is a precursor to multiple myeloma, the focus is on monitoring and early detection rather than prevention. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and bone marrow evaluations are recommended for people diagnosed with SMM to track any signs of progression. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore potential treatments that might delay or prevent progression, but no specific preventive measures are established at this time.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Definition
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a stage of multiple myeloma where there is an abnormal increase of plasma cells in the bone marrow, but the person does not yet show symptoms of active multiple myeloma. It is considered an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic form of the disease, meaning there is no significant organ damage or symptoms like bone pain, fatigue, or kidney problems. People with SMM are closely monitored for signs of progression to active myeloma.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) typically does not cause symptoms. In fact, it is considered an asymptomatic or “pre-symptomatic” stage of multiple myeloma. People with SMM may have abnormal levels of plasma cells in the bone marrow and elevated amounts of monoclonal protein in their blood or urine, but they do not experience the common symptoms associated with active multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, or kidney problems. Monitoring is essential to detect any progression to active myeloma.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) generally does not require immediate treatment because it is asymptomatic and not causing organ damage. Instead, the focus is on monitoring the condition with regular blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow exams to check for signs of progression to active multiple myeloma. In some cases, if SMM shows signs of progression or has high-risk features, treatment options such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or stem cell transplant may be considered. However, treatment is typically not started until the disease progresses to symptomatic multiple myeloma.
Cancer.org
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Survival Rate
The survival rate for smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) varies depending on several factors, including the risk of progression to active multiple myeloma and the presence of high-risk features. Since SMM is typically asymptomatic and doesn’t cause organ damage, survival rates are generally high, and many people live for many years without developing symptoms. However, once SMM progresses to active multiple myeloma, the survival rate depends on the response to treatment and other individual factors. The exact survival rate for SMM isn’t well-defined, as many people with the condition do not develop active disease, but those with high-risk features may have a higher chance of progression and a lower survival rate. Regular monitoring and early treatment can help improve outcomes.
Cancer.org
