Treatment for Solitary Plasmacytoma Multiple Myeloma

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Kenneth C. Anderson, MD
Chief, Division of Hematologic Neoplasia

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

A solitary plasmacytoma is a collection of myeloma cells at a single cancer site that may involve the bone or other soft tissue. Solitary plasmacytomas account for about 5 percent of all patients with myeloma.

Diagnosis of a solitary plasmacytoma requires a thorough evaluation to ensure that there is no myeloma elsewhere in the body. This is because many patients who at first appear to have solitary plasmacytoma are later found to have multiple myeloma.

Following complete evaluation, patients with solitary plasmacytoma can be treated with radiation therapy alone. Studies have indicated that adding chemotherapy does not offer additional benefit. Blood and urine tests are done every 4 weeks to monitor the patient’s response to radiation therapy.

After this treatment, about 40 percent to 50 percent of patients will remain free of disease for at least 10 years or more. This suggests that many patients with solitary plasmacytoma can be cured.

In select cases, doctors may use surgery to remove a plasmacytoma that is growing in soft tissue.