The triad of clinical features describes multiple myeloma: the accumulation of malignant plasma cell in the bone marrow, paraprotein production and bone involvement. Moreover, number of characteristic and frequently specific complications may develop during the course of disease. Identification of new prognostic factors may be helpful for the choice of therapy. The prognosis of patients has improved since the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, however, multiple myeloma is still mostly fatal malignancy. The clinical and laboratory characteristic of myeloma and differential diagnosis of disease are described. The results of contemporary therapy and future therapeutic approaches are also discussed.

        Key words: multiple myeloma, MGUS, prognosis, IFN-alpha, ASCT, CD20.