Long-Term Survival in Multiple Myeloma

Despite the use of alkylating agents, patients with multiple myeloma have a median survival period of only two to three years.1 , 2 No series of patients with multiple myeloma surviving for more than 10 years has been reported. This review of such a group was undertaken in an effort to identify the clinical or laboratory features that suggest long-term survival. My colleagues and I found that the response to chemotherapy was the most important factor in recognizing long-term survivors.MethodsThe records of all Mayo Clinic patients given a diagnosis of multiple myeloma between January 1, 1960, and December 31, 1971 . . .