key papersKey paper
IMWG consensus definition of primary plasma cell leukaemia at 5 percent circulating plasma cells
The International Myeloma Working Group lowered the threshold for diagnosing plasma cell leukaemia from 20 percent to 5 percent circulating plasma cells, because patients at 5 percent already have the same dismal outlook.
Overview
Consensus statement from the International Myeloma Working Group reviewing evidence that 5 percent or more circulating plasma cells on a blood film carries the same poor survival as the historical 20 percent threshold, and redefining primary plasma cell leukaemia accordingly, with recommendations for work-up.
GuidelineChanged practice
Authors
Fernández de Larrea C, Kyle R, Rosiñol L, et al.
Published
Blood cancer journal, 2021
What it means
More patients now receive the diagnosis and the intensive, transplant-based approach that goes with it; trial eligibility uses the new definition.
Caveats
- Based on retrospective series; treatment recommendations remain largely extrapolated from myeloma.