MGUS and PMR/GCA

[kp60]

If true, this is a little unsettling... MGUS can be a precursor to Multiple Myeloma.

Quote from article: "A study of United States veterans suggested that subjects with autoimmune conditions where autoantibodies are detectable are at increased risk of developing MGUS [46]. Furthermore, a recent population-based study found that personal or family history of autoimmune disease increases the risk of developing MGUS [91]. In that study, history of giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a significantly increased risk of MGUS [91]. "

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

In all the years I have been on the forums and thousands of patients who have passed through our pages, only a couple have developed MGUS and one I can remember went on to MM. Even a "significantly increased risk" related to a very low risk, remains a very low risk. I don't think I shall worry too much about it for now.

[kp60 in reply to PMRpro]

glad to hear that!

[jinoadby in reply to kp60]

I was diagnosed with MGUS about 7-8 years ago. I have to have one blood test a year, and was told by the consultant that it won't be the MGUS that eventually sees me off!!!

[Karenjaninaz in reply to PMRpro]

I had MGUS way before I had PMR. A certain percentage of persons over 70 have it regardless of PMR.

[piglette]

On average, about 1% of people with MGUS go on to develop multiple myeloma each year.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

And I think it is something like 1% of PMR patients develop MGUS - 1% of 1% isn't much ...

[kp60 in reply to PMRpro]

that's very encouraging..

[Charlotteab]

Interesting that you posted this, as I just read a couple of articles yesterday that claimed having PMR can significantly increase your risk of various cancers. One article claimed a 69% risk increase and another stated that around 23% of patients with PMR will go on to develop cancer. I really hope these stats aren't true/proven as that sounds pretty scary to me. As if there isn't enough to worry about already with this disease!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Charlotteab]

A 69% increase in risk is not the same a 69% increase in incidence, There is an increase of diagnoses in the first year after diagnosis of PMR - but that is really because the PMR is a symptom of the malignancy and the increased medical surveillance . I have no idea where they got those numbers but they really aren't numbers I recognise.

[Charlotteab in reply to PMRpro]

That's good to know - thanks!

[ILbbHpmr]

I started having PMR symptoms in March 2019 and was referred to a rheumatologist. I had my first appt. with him in June 2019. He suspected that there may be something else going on as well as the PMR so he ordered more extensive blood tests which showed I have MGUS. I have had a bone marrow biopsy and I have seen a hematologist and have extensive blood tests every 6 months since then. So far, there has been no change in my MGUS status.

As for PMR, I'm still trying to slowly lower my prednisone, I'm down to 4 1/2 mg but it has been a struggle since 2019.