What is the life expectancy of untreated multiple myeloma?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), these are the average survival rates by stage: Stage 1: 62 months, which is approximately five years. Stage 2: 44 months, which is approximately three to four years. Stage 3: 29 months, which is approximately two to three years.

How long does the average person live with multiple myeloma?

How long can a person live with multiple myeloma?

Revised international staging system	Median survival
Stage I	62 months (5 years, 2 months)
Stage II	42 months (3.5 years)
Stage III	29 months (2 years, 5 months)

What is the longest anyone has lived with multiple myeloma?

At age 72, Graff has survived nine years with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer whose life expectancy used to be measured in months.

What do you need to know about multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma, also known as plasma cell myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell typically responsible for producing antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. When advanced, bone pain, bleeding, frequent infections, and anemia may occur.

Are there any drugs approved for multiple myeloma?

This page lists cancer drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms. The list includes generic names, brand names, and common drug combinations, which are shown in capital letters. The drug names link to NCI’s Cancer Drug Information summaries.

Is there a connection between multiple myeloma and MGUS?

A connection with MGUS. Each year, about 1 percent of people with MGUS develop multiple myeloma or a related cancer. MGUS, like multiple myeloma, is marked by the presence of M proteins — produced by abnormal plasma cells — in your blood. However, in MGUS, the levels of M proteins are lower and no damage to the body occurs.

How are plasma cells involved in multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells.