ABSTRACT
Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the breast with amyloid deposits is a very rare cause of breast malignancy. Patients who carry a diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have a 5-10% lifetime risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma with MALT lymphoma as the most common histologic subtype. Our case highlights the importance of routine screening mammography in the early detection of such unusual malignancies, and further interventions needed to diagnose and appropriately manage breast MALT lymphoma.
Subject(s)
Multiple Myeloma/pathology , Plasma Cells/pathology , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Biopsy , Bone Marrow/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/immunology , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Myeloma/immunology , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Neoplasm Metastasis/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasm Metastasis/pathology , Plasma Cells/immunology , Spinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Neoplasms/pathology , Spinal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Testis/pathologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the median age at diagnosis of 69, multiple myeloma (MM) is commonly identified among elderly individuals. Over-treatment of the frail may lead to unnecessary morbidity, while under-treatment of fit elderly patients may prevent improvement in organ function; both instances reducing quality of life. Here, we summarize assessments of frailty and include considerations in managing newly diagnosed elderly MM patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Eligibility criteria for studies of anti-myeloma agents have traditionally relied on performance status and comorbidities; however, geriatric and myeloma-specific frailty assessments are beginning to be incorporated for more accurate stratification of patients for treatment. The IMWG and R-MCI scores are validated metrics that predict survival in elderly MM patients. In addition, dose-attenuated induction regimens and conditioning before autologous transplant may decrease morbidity in elderly MM patients. Although MM remains incurable, multi-drug regimens have the ability to prolong survival of both untreated and relapsed elderly patients. Older patients require a highly individualized approach since they may have preexisting organ dysfunction, worse frailty scores, and variable goals of care.