Multiple Myeloma – Current Standards in Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Background Multiple myeloma is a haematological blood cancer in elderly patients, in which neoplastic cell populations cause osteolytic destruction in the bone skeleton. More than 50% of all patients sustain pathological fractures during the course of their disease. Of all malignant lesions of the spine, multiple myeloma is the most frequent spinal tumour and accounts for approximately 15% of all cases. 8 – 10% of the patients develop neurological deficits. In addition to systemic antineoplastic therapy, surgical treatment is often required in order to reconstruct and stabilise bone defects associated with multiple myeloma, as well as to address tumour-related complications.

Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed using the keywords “multiple myeloma” and “surgery” or “fracture”. This served to evaluate the available primary and secondary literature on the current status of the surgical therapy of multiple myeloma. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies and international recommendations for therapy were included – from 1975 until the spring of 2018.

Discussion Stabilising surgery is essential in order to retain and restore function and mobility in bone sections affected by myeloma and for tumour-related osseous defects due to pathological fracture or instability. Absolute and relative indications for surgical treatment are distinguished and are based on the extent and localisation of bone lesions, manifest fractures, accompanying side effects and complications such as neurological deficits and bone pain that is intractable to conservative treatment. The range of options in surgical treatment of myeloma-related bone damage within the upper and lower extremities ranges from hybrid stabilisation procedures combining bone cement and various implants, to conventional and modular tumour prostheses systems. In spinal surgery, minimally invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, as well as selective decompressive operations, dorsal spinal fusion and vertebral replacement are performed in cases of osseous defects and related fractures or instabilities. The surgical treatment and time of operation is determined by the general individual risk profile and prognosis of the patient with multiple myeloma. The surgical approach should have the objective of a final and load stable solution for the patient, which takes into account the frequent long-term course of the disease. Radiotherapy is often recommended after surgery.

Conclusion In therapy of multiple myeloma, surgical treatment is often required in order to reduce distress and retain the function and flexibility of myeloma affected bone sections and the mobility and quality of life of the cancer patient. The range of surgical strategies is complex and demanding.

Key words

multiple myeloma - pathologic fracture - operative treatment

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