[gardengirl]

High risk vs aggressive multiple myeloma

by gardengirl on Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:25 pm

Is there a correlation between high risk myeloma and aggressive myeloma? I understand high risk stratification (ISS stage II/III, t(4:14), del (17p13), probability of progression, etc.) but does this correlate with aggressive disease, or are they independent?

Can you be low risk and still have aggressive disease?

Thank you!

[Cheryl G]

Re: High risk vs aggressive multiple myeloma

by Cheryl G on Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:47 pm

Hi Gardengirl,

I think you'll probably find the answer to your question in this forum discussion:

"Difference between risk and aggressiveness?" (discussion started May 23, 2014)

Basically, a patient's risk status is a prediction of how aggressive their disease will be. If a person has high-risk disease, it means the disease is likely to be more difficult to treat, with responses to treatment often not being as deep, or remission not lasting as long.

This prediction, however, isn't perfect. A patient can be classified as having high risk disease and still end up responding well to treatment. So it's not until a patient has actually been treated, and responses and length of remission have been observed, that you can tell how aggressive the disease really is.

Hope that makes sense.