Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (703 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A malignancy of mature plasma cells engaging in monoclonal immunoglobulin production. It is characterized by hyperglobulinemia, excess Bence-Jones proteins (free monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains) in the urine, skeletal destruction, bone pain, and fractures. Other features include anemia; hypercalcemia; and renal insufficiency.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Multiple Myelomas; Myelomas, Multiple; Myeloma, Plasma-Cell; Myeloma, Plasma Cell; Myelomas, Plasma-Cell; Plasma-Cell Myeloma; Plasma-Cell Myelomas; Myeloma-Multiple.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Neoplasms, Plasma Cell; Hemostatic Disorders; Paraproteinemias; Lymphoproliferative Disorders
- Narrower topics
- Leukemia, Plasma Cell
- See also
- Myeloma Proteins
Related concepts
- Plasma Cells
- Immunoglobulin Light Chains
- Anemia
- Hypercalcemia
- Renal Insufficiency
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 53,286 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Multiple Myeloma” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 12,194 of them (22.9%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 17,310 records.
Reviews account for 7,742 records (14.5%) and meta-analyses for 434. Randomized controlled trials number 1,218 (2.3%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 17,310 |
| 2000-2009 | 9,167 |
| 2010-2019 | 14,615 |
| 2020 onward | 12,194 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 7,742 | 14.5% |
| Meta-analyses | 434 | 0.8% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,218 | 2.3% |
Method: PubMed query "Multiple Myeloma"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in cancer and oncology
Cancer research spans very different kinds of evidence. Laboratory studies in cell lines and animal models reveal mechanisms but often do not translate to patients. Early-phase trials mainly test safety and dosing, while phase 3 randomized trials and their meta-analyses are the usual basis for treatment conclusions. Outcomes also differ in meaning: tumour shrinkage, progression-free survival and overall survival are not interchangeable, and screening studies can be distorted by lead-time and overdiagnosis. When reading a result, check the cancer type and stage studied, the comparison treatment, and which outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-world outcomes with elranatamab in multiple myeloma: a multicenter analysis from the U.S. Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 8 | cc by PMID 41896552 · DOI · PMC13039266 |
| Oxidative Stress in Multiple Myeloma: Pathogenic Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Redox-Targeted Therapeutic Strategies | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 5 | cc by PMID 41977190 · DOI · PMC13073741 |
| Modulating CD38 enzymatic activity during antibody-based immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: a basic science perspective | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 4 | cc by PMID 42136641 · DOI · PMC13168026 |
Real-world outcomes with elranatamab in multiple myeloma: a multicenter analysis from the U.S. Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Elranatamab, a BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody, has demonstrated robust activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but real-world outcomes remain poorly defined.
- Closing excerpt
- These findings highlight the efficacy, limitations, and supportive care needs of elranatamab in a frailer, more heterogeneous real-world RRMM population.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (209 words)
Elranatamab, a BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody, has demonstrated robust activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but real-world outcomes remain poorly defined. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of 130 patients treated with commercial elranatamab across nine U.S. academic centers. The cohort was heavily pretreated (91% triple-class refractory, 49% penta-refractory), with 49% previously exposed to BCMA-targeted therapies. Only 22% would have met eligibility for MagnetisMM-3 cohort A. The overall response rate (ORR) was 65%, including ≥CR in 36%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 4.3 and 14.6 months, respectively, shorter than MagnetisMM-3. Elevated LDH and low hemoglobin independently predicted poor outcomes and were incorporated into the novel ALPS (Anemia-LDH Prognostic System) score, which stratified patients into distinct risk groups for ORR, OS, PFS, and duration of response. Prior BCMA exposure reduced depth of response, with inferior OS observed in those treated within one year of prior therapy. Infections occurred in 38% of patients. Intravenous immunoglobulin supplementation, modeled as a time-dependent covariate, was associated with improved infection-free survival and PFS. While the incidence of CRS was modestly lower than in MagnetisMM-3, ICANS occurred more frequently in this real-world cohort. These findings highlight the efficacy, limitations, and supportive care needs of elranatamab in a frailer, more heterogeneous real-world RRMM population.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41896552 · DOI · PMC13039266
Oxidative Stress in Multiple Myeloma: Pathogenic Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Redox-Targeted Therapeutic Strategies [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy characterized by high metabolic activity, chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress, and persistent redox imbalance.
- Closing excerpt
- This review summarizes current knowledge on oxidative stress in multiple myeloma, emphasizing its role in pathogenesis, drug resistance, biomarker development, and emerging therapeutic and supportive strategies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (207 words)
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy characterized by high metabolic activity, chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress, and persistent redox imbalance. Excessive immunoglobulin synthesis and adaptation to the hypoxic bone marrow microenvironment lead to sustained production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Their excessive accumulation promotes genomic instability, disease progression, osteolytic bone disease, and resistance to therapy. Paradoxically, MM cells adapt to oxidative stress by activating antioxidant and metabolic defense mechanisms, including Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)- and Heme Oxygenase 1 (HMOX1)-dependent pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and overexpression of ROS-scavenging enzymes such as peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), allowing survival at the threshold of oxidative toxicity. Evidence indicates that biomarkers of oxidative stress-such as lipid and protein oxidation products, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the Oxidative Stress Score-correlate with disease stage, prognosis, and treatment response. Redox-modulating therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological ROS induction, inhibition of antioxidant defenses, and the use of natural pro-oxidant compounds, are emerging as promising adjuncts to standard MM therapies. Recent studies also highlight the gut microbiota as an indirect regulator of oxidative balance, immune modulation, and metabolic homeostasis in MM. This review summarizes current knowledge on oxidative stress in multiple myeloma, emphasizing its role in pathogenesis, drug resistance, biomarker development, and emerging therapeutic and supportive strategies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41977190 · DOI · PMC13073741
Modulating CD38 enzymatic activity during antibody-based immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: a basic science perspective [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive bone marrow (BM) microenvironment.
- Closing excerpt
- These results support the rationale for combining CD38_directed antibodies with agents targeting adenosinergic signaling to enhance antitumor immunity and improve clinical outcomes in MM.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (287 words)
IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. CD38, a multifunctional ectoenzyme highly expressed on malignant plasma cells, contributes to this niche by degrading nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) into ADPR, which fuels adenosine (ADO) production through CD38/CD203a/CD73 enzymatic pathway. CD38_targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including daratumumab (DARA) and isatuximab (ISA), exert antitumor activity through direct cytotoxicity and immune modulation; however, resistance to these agents remains a major clinical challenge. Understanding how CD38 enzymatic activity and adenosinergic metabolism evolve during therapy is essential for improving treatment efficacy.MethodsThis study investigates (i) the enzymatic functions of CD38, (ii) the in vitro effects of DARA and ISA on CD38_mediated NAD+ degradation in primary MM cells and a representative MM cell line, and (iii) the in vivo dynamics of ADO and its metabolite inosine (INO) in BM and peripheral blood (PB) plasma from MM patients receiving DARA monotherapy.ResultsIn vitro, both DARA and ISA promoted NAD⁺ degradation with accumulation of ADPR. In vivo, ADO concentrations in BM plasma remained consistently in the micromolar range and declined only modestly during treatment, whereas INO progressively increased, leading to a gradual attenuation of the BM -PB gradient. These findings indicate that adenosinergic metabolism remains active during DARA therapy, likely sustained by reduced CD38 expression due to antibody_driven internalization or microvesicle (MV) release, together with adenosine deaminase (ADA) -mediated ADO degradation.DiscussionDespite CD38_targeted therapy, ADO concentrations in the BM remain well above the activation thresholds of P1 purinergic receptors, suggesting persistent adenosinergic immunosuppression. This sustained ADO production may contribute to a tolerogenic BM niche that promotes immune evasion and therapeutic resistance. These results support the rationale for combining CD38_directed antibodies with agents targeting adenosinergic signaling to enhance antitumor immunity and improve clinical outcomes in MM.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42136641 · DOI · PMC13168026
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Lenalidomide Maintenance After Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis [4]
- Research article A large meta-analysis establishes the role of MRD negativity in long-term survival outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma [5]
- Research article A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonrelapse mortality after CAR T cell therapy [6]
- Research article Primary Sjogren's syndrome and malignancy risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Rates of venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma patients undergoing immunomodulatory therapy with thalidomide or lenalidomide: a systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Prevalence of symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
References
- Portuguese AJ, Davis JA, Raza S, Castaneda Puglianini O, Freeman C, Alsina M, et al.. Real-world outcomes with elranatamab in multiple myeloma: a multicenter analysis from the U.S. Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium. . 2026. PMID 41896552 · DOI · PMC13039266
- Bilski R, Kupczyk D, Kaczorowska-Bilska K, Tkaczenko H, Kurhaluk N, Kosmalski T, et al.. Oxidative Stress in Multiple Myeloma: Pathogenic Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Redox-Targeted Therapeutic Strategies. . 2026. PMID 41977190 · DOI · PMC13073741
- Horenstein AL, Frerichs KA, Faini AC, van de Donk NWCJ, Malavasi F. Modulating CD38 enzymatic activity during antibody-based immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: a basic science perspective. . 2026. PMID 42136641 · DOI · PMC13168026
- McCarthy PL, Holstein SA, Petrucci MT, Richardson PG, Hulin C, Tosi P, et al.. Lenalidomide Maintenance After Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Oncol. 2017. PMID 28742454 · DOI · PMC5652871
- Munshi NC, Avet-Loiseau H, Anderson KC, Neri P, Paiva B, Samur M, et al.. A large meta-analysis establishes the role of MRD negativity in long-term survival outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma. Blood Adv. 2020. PMID 33284948 · DOI · PMC7724898
- Cordas Dos Santos DM, Tix T, Shouval R, Gafter-Gvili A, Alberge JB, Cliff ERS, et al.. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonrelapse mortality after CAR T cell therapy. Nat Med. 2024. PMID 38977912 · DOI · PMC11765209
- Liang Y, Yang Z, Qin B, Zhong R. Primary Sjogren's syndrome and malignancy risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014. PMID 23687261 · DOI
- Carrier M, Le Gal G, Tay J, Wu C, Lee AY. Rates of venous thromboembolism in multiple myeloma patients undergoing immunomodulatory therapy with thalidomide or lenalidomide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Thromb Haemost. 2011. PMID 21255254 · DOI
- Ramsenthaler C, Kane P, Gao W, Siegert RJ, Edmonds PM, Schey SA, et al.. Prevalence of symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Haematol. 2016. PMID 27528496 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.