Multiple Myeloma

The authors on “Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Bladder” have provided a quick and accurate diagnosis, work-up, and treatment of this solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma. Solitary extramedullary plamacytomas are rare, and account for only 3% of all plasma cell malignancies. Of the 3% of plasma cell malignancies that are diagnosed, the bladder is one of the least common locations. The rarity of the tumor frequently makes the process of making a correct diagnosis difficult.[1] After... More »

Plasmacytoma is a rare B-lymphocyte neoplastic disorder that usually presents as the generalized disease multiple myeloma. Less than 5% of the cases present as a solitary mass of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone or soft tissue. Although solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) may arise in any organ, it rarely involves the urinary bladder. A 67-year-old male without a history of multiple myeloma presented with urinary frequency and nocturia; he was later diagnosed with SEP of the bladder.... More »

Extramedullary disease in plasma cell disorders can occur as a solitary plasmacytoma or can involve multiple sites with vastly different clinical outcomes. The article by Khaliq et al reports an unusual case of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) of the bladder in which the patient had a favorable outcome with lenalidomide/dexamethasone after failing first-line treatment with radiotherapy. In this context it is interesting to compare clinical outcomes of this entity to two other clinical... More »

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are increasingly common in cancer patients, owing to the aging of the population and to new forms of cancer treatment. Androgen and estrogen deprivation, as well as some forms of cytotoxic chemotherapy, may lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Patients at risk for osteoporosis include those treated with aromatase inhibitors and with androgen deprivation for more than 1 year. In addition, all patients 65 years of age and older are at risk of osteoporosis when treated... More »

Dr. Balducci has presented a timely and useful overview of bone health in elderly patients undergoing cancer treatment. This topic has important implications, not only within geriatric oncology but also throughout the entire age spectrum. Dr. Balducci’s focus on the elderly population is especially relevant, as this group is at particularly high risk for bone complications over the course of cancer therapy. In his review, Dr. Balducci provides an introduction to the physiology of bone... More »