What Is Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)?
For those who have family members with multiple myeloma or who died from multiple myeloma, they may have concerns about their risk of developing myeloma – or the precursor to myeloma called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). After largely being an unknown risk previously, medical researchers examined MGUS and familial risk in a study. Here’s a look at what was learned from the study, other MGUS incidence information, and MGUS screening recommendations.
MGUS Risk in Family Members
Researchers took a look at the MGUS risk of first-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma. The group of relatives the researchers examined serum samples for were all aged 40 years or older. In terms of relatives, first-degree relatives are defined as biological parents, children, and full siblings. After examining the data, the study found that the relatives in this grouping had a 2.4 times higher risk of MGUS in comparison to the general population. The study showed 97 percent of participants as white patients, so it will be important for more Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) first-degree relatives of myeloma patients to be screened for MGUS to get a more accurate familial risk level for these groups in the future. When looking at overall incidence of MGUS, those who are Black are four times more likely to develop MGUS and Hispanics two times more likely in comparison to white individuals.
Researchers also wondered about any impacts of gender, age, and multiple myeloma subtype on study results. However, they found no difference in MGUS risk level when they examined these factors. Another important note in the study stated that hereditary conditions often have a worse prognosis and earlier onset compared to non-hereditary conditions. Considering these two facts along with the increased risk of MGUS for first-degree relatives of myeloma patients, the study authors recommend preventative screening for MGUS for these family members. Early screening and diagnosis can help prevent the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma. If you have questions about your MGUS risk, make sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional. And if you feel that your request for MGUS testing is going unanswered, ask to speak to a patient advocate who can help ensure you get the testing you need.
Early detection of MGUS in those with first-degree familial risk from multiple myeloma is important to monitor over the long term for optimal health outcomes. It’s also important for first-degree relatives from BIPOC groups to get preventative screening for MGUS to build information about their specific risk levels. We will continue to watch the studies and research about MGUS risk and report back with findings.
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Importantly, this information is not a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
Resources
What Myeloma Health Disparities Exist for BIPOC Patients?
Sources
Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour, S. Vincent Rajkumar, Abdul Rishi, Robert A. Kyle, Jerry A. Katzmann, David L. Murray, Aaron D. Norman, Alexandra J. Greenberg, Dirk R. Larson, Megan M. O’Byrne, Susan L. Slager, and Celine M. Vachon. Risk of MGUS in Relatives of Multiple Myeloma Cases by Clinical and Tumor Characteristics. U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health website. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371786/
