What LDH levels define stage 2 and stage 3 multiple myeloma?
For stage 2 multiple myeloma, the Revised International Staging System doesn't specify exact LDH levels. Stage 2 is diagnosed when someone has features that fall between stage 1 and stage 3 - meaning they don't meet all the criteria for stage 1 but don't meet the Show Full Answer
What LDH levels define stage 2 and stage 3 multiple myeloma?
For stage 2 multiple myeloma, the Revised International Staging System doesn't specify exact LDH levels. Stage 2 is diagnosed when someone has features that fall between stage 1 and stage 3 - meaning they don't meet all the criteria for stage 1 but don't meet the criteria for stage 3 either.
Stage 1 requires normal LDH levels, while stage 3 requires elevated LDH levels (along with other factors). Stage 2 can include people with various LDH levels that don't fit neatly into either category.
For stage 3 multiple myeloma, high LDH levels are one of the defining characteristics. To be diagnosed with stage 3, you need a beta-2 microglobulin level of 5.5 milligrams per liter or higher, plus either high-risk genetic abnormalities OR elevated LDH levels.
The staging system focuses more on whether LDH is normal versus elevated rather than providing specific numerical cutoffs for each stage.
November 10, 2025