Myeloma is classified into three stages using the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), which has been the standard since 2015. Stages are based on blood test results, not symptoms.
Here's a quick breakdown of each stage:
Stage 1 (Least Advanced)
- Low levels of beta-2 microglobulin (under 3.5 mg/L)
- Normal or Show Full Answer
Myeloma is classified into three stages using the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), which has been the standard since 2015. Stages are based on blood test results, not symptoms.
Here's a quick breakdown of each stage:
Stage 1 (Least Advanced)
- Low levels of beta-2 microglobulin (under 3.5 mg/L)
- Normal or healthy albumin levels (3.5 g/dL or higher)
- Normal LDH levels
- No high-risk genetic abnormalities
Stage 2 (Intermediate)
- Results fall between Stage 1 and Stage 3
- A mix of factors from both ends of the spectrum
Stage 3 (Most Advanced)
- Beta-2 microglobulin levels of 5.5 mg/L or higher
- High LDH levels
- High-risk genetic abnormalities present It's worth noting that myeloma staging works differently from other cancers — it's based on how much the disease has progressed biologically, not where it has spread in the body. As one MyMyelomaTeam member put it, "Myeloma staging has such different rules — it is tough to learn everything."
Always ask your doctor to walk you through your specific test results and what your stage means for your treatment options.
July 25