Type 7: Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM)
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) can be likened to a dormant volcano. While it contains the components of active myeloma, it remains largely asymptomatic, not causing immediate harm but posing a potential future threat.
For many diagnosed with SMM, the journey begins inadvertently, often through routine blood tests. The absence of overt symptoms like bone pain, fractures, or kidney complications makes it a silent spectator in the early stages. However, the blood tests might reveal elevated protein levels or abnormal cells, hinting at the condition’s presence.
Given its quiet nature, the primary approach to SMM is observation. Regular monitoring through blood tests and occasional imaging can track the disease’s progression or stability. While it might sound passive, this “watch and wait” strategy ensures unnecessary treatments are avoided, focusing intervention only when signs of active myeloma emerge.
The transition from SMM to active myeloma revolves around the appearance of symptoms or complications. Once this threshold is crossed, treatments align with standard multiple myeloma approaches, including chemotherapies, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants. The aim remains to control the disease and enhance the patient’s quality of life. (7)
