Summary

• A haematological cancer characterised by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, typically associated with a monoclonal component in the serum and/or urine.
• The most common presenting features are bone pain and anaemia; the condition may also be identified through investigation of fatigue, infections, hypercalcaemia, or renal impairment.
• Diagnosis is made on serum and urine protein electrophoresis, bone marrow examination, and skeletal survey.
• Advances in treatment approaches with novel agents are replacing the use of conventional chemotherapy. Younger patients are candidates for high-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation strategies.