Identification of the potential risk factors for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance of progression.

BACKGROUNDS: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a premalignant plasma cell disorder. The etiology of MGUS progression remains unclear and is a current topic of investigation.

METHODS

This review summarizes the essential features of MGUS and the potential risk factors for MGUS of progression.

RESULTS

Many clinical studies have been conducted to identify the critical risk markers that play important roles in progression. Some clinical variables, such as immunophenotypic markers and cytogenetic changes, have been recognized as potential risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we discuss novel insights from recent studies of potential risk factors, and we propose future directions for clinical management and additional studies.