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December 3, 2025
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What factors should you look for to determine your risk level with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)?

When reviewing your lab results, several key factors help determine your risk of progressing from SMM to active myeloma. Your healthcare team will evaluate these markers to categorize your risk level:

Key Risk Factors to Show Full Answer

What factors should you look for to determine your risk level with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)?

When reviewing your lab results, several key factors help determine your risk of progressing from SMM to active myeloma. Your healthcare team will evaluate these markers to categorize your risk level:

Key Risk Factors to Monitor:
* M protein levels higher than 15 grams per liter
* M protein type (IgA, IgM, or IgD carries higher risk than IgG)
* Abnormal free light chain ratio in your blood

Risk Level Categories:
* Low-risk: No risk factors present
* Low-intermediate risk: One risk factor
* High-intermediate risk: Two risk factors
* High-risk: Three risk factors

Additional factors your doctor may consider include the number of plasma cells in your bone marrow, whether M protein levels are increasing over time, any gene changes in plasma cells, and whether bone lesions appear on imaging tests.

Your doctor will review these lab results with you and explain what they mean for your individual situation. If you notice your M protein levels changing or have questions about any test results, don't hesitate to discuss them during your appointment.

December 3, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you! Pbaldini

December 4, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Hi Mary,
Go to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the IMF. They should help you understand where you stand. Your doctor will also be able to determine your risk. I have some high risk factors and some not. Translocations, deletions and additions play a role. What type of Immunoglobulins you have p,Amy’s a role. BCMA, creatinine, eGFR all play a role.
HTTPS://www.myeloma.org
Https://www.themmrf.org/
Paula🌹

The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
https://www.myeloma.org
December 3, 2025 (edited)

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