Cancer of PLASMA CELLS which accumulate in the bone marrow and produce an antibody which attacks many body systems. It occurs mostly in persons aged over 60 (although 2% of cases are in the under–40s). Symptoms include anaemia from bone marrow destruction; bone pain and fractures from the stimulation of OSTEOCLASTS cells which absorb and remodel bone; and kidney impairment from damage to the filtering system of the kidney from the presence of an abnormal protein (Bence-Jones protein) produced by one of the myeloma antibodies. In the early stages, there may be few or no symptoms, the disease being diagnosed by the presence of Bence-Jones protein in a urine test. Once symptoms become troublesome, treatment may be offered with one of the BIOLOGICS – bortezomib and certain immunomodulatory drugs. Most patients go into REMISSION although relapse is common and further chemotherapy may be offered. In younger patients, STEM CELL transplantation may be recommended.