Yes, the percentage of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow plays a significant role in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Historically, having less than 5% plasma cells in the bone marrow was used as a key marker for complete remission (CR) — meaning treatment had worked well.
When plasma cell levels are low (under Show Full Answer
Yes, the percentage of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow plays a significant role in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Historically, having less than 5% plasma cells in the bone marrow was used as a key marker for complete remission (CR) — meaning treatment had worked well.
When plasma cell levels are low (under 5%), doctors may take a "watch and wait" approach, monitoring regularly without aggressive treatment. This is common with precancerous conditions like smoldering myeloma (SMM). When plasma cell levels are higher, it can indicate active myeloma, which typically requires treatment. Doctors look at several factors alongside plasma cell percentage, including:
- Organ damage (kidneys, bones, etc.)
- Calcium levels in the blood
- Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
- M protein levels
- Bone lesions
Higher numbers of abnormal plasma cells are generally associated with a more aggressive disease course, and treatment is usually started sooner.
It's always worth discussing your specific numbers with your specialist, as treatment decisions are highly personalized. Being treated at an academic or specialized cancer center has also been shown to lead to better outcomes.
July 27
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