Nonsecretory myeloma, which accounts for 1% to 5% of all myelomas, is characterized by the absence of detectable M-
protein in serum and urine. The presenting features of nonsecretory myeloma are similar to those in patients with a detectable M-
protein, except for the absence of renal function impairment. The response to
therapy and survival of patients with nonsecretory myeloma are similar to those of patients with measurable M-
protein.
Immunoglobulin D myeloma represents 2% of all myelomas. Patients with
IgD myeloma usually present with a small band or no evident M-spike on serum electrophoresis and heavy light-chain
proteinuria. Thus,
IgD myeloma can be considered a variant of Bence Jones myeloma; the presence of the
IgD M-
protein and the predominance of the lambda light chain are the only distinctive features. The median survival of patients with
IgD myeloma is almost 2 years, with one fifth of them surviving for more than 5 years.
Plasma cell leukemia is also a rare form of
plasma cell dyscrasia (2% to 4% of all myelomas). The primary form accounts for 60% of the cases. In primary PCL, the constellation of adverse
biologic prognostic factors in patients with advanced aggressive myeloma is already present at diagnosis. In fact, primary PCL has a more aggressive clinical presentation than MM, with a higher frequency of extramedullary involvement,
anemia,
thrombocytopenia,
hypercalcemia, and
renal failure. Treatment with a single
alkylating agent plus
prednisone is not appropriate.
Combination chemotherapy with VAD,
cyclophosphamide and
etoposide, or VCMP/VBAP is a better initial option. Given the poor prognosis of primary PCL, intensification with high-dose
therapy followed by stem cell rescue should be offered to affected patients.