Multiple Myeloma: An In-depth Review of the Historical and Pathogenetic Processes

Myeloma is a plasma cell disorder which occurs with varying prevalence across different populations across the globe. Knowledge of the disease pathogenesis as well as its diagnosis and treatment has evolved over the years. The mutations that underlying the progression from benign gammopathy to overt clinical carcinomatosis has been studied extensively and has provided targets for immunotherapy. The causes of variations in incidence of multiple myeloma across different regional and socio-culturally diverse groups has been proposed to be multi-factorial, as denoted by the plethora of mutations driving disease progression in these groups. The sequence of mutation – primary and secondary events, in oncogenesis have been described though no apparent environmental or infective organism has been consistently link with myeloma. The impact of interleukin 6 and RANKL in the severity of myeloma bone disease has been observed to high and offers both contemporary and future therapeutic targets. This review is targeted at providing in-depth insight into the historical events as well as the molecular basis of this disease.