This book provides a concise overview of the state of the art in the
biology and treatment of plasma cell malignancies, a heterogeneous group
of diseases primarily characterized by the presence of clonal plasma
cells within the bone marrow or extramedullary sites. The plasma cell
dyscrasias investigated include monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined
significance (MGUS), multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, immunoglobulin
deposition diseases (primary amyloidosis and systemic light and heavy
chain deposition diseases), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. In the
case of multiple myeloma, the coverage ranges from genomic aberrations
and microRNAs to treatment for different patient groups, upcoming novel
therapies, immunotherapy, and transplantation. The book reflects the
significant research advances achieved in this field during the past few
years, which have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms
responsible for the pathogenesis of plasma cell dyscrasias.