#### Summary points Multiple myeloma is the second most common (10-15% of all) haematological cancer.1 It is responsible for 15-20% of deaths from haematological cancer and about 2% of all deaths from cancer.1 Recent improved understanding of the pathogenesis of myeloma has led to the development of new treatments. Although myeloma remains an incurable cancer, survival is improving, and newly diagnosed patients are now projected to live for around five years.2 With an increasing number of survivors, it important for health professionals to understand the disease and current treatments. We have summarised guidelines, meta-analyses, and randomised controlled trials to give an up to date review of myeloma. #### Sources and selection criteria We searched Medline and the Cochrane collaboration, using the terms “myeloma” and “multiple myeloma”. Wherever possible, we used evidence from randomised controlled trials, systemic reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing mainly on articles published in the past five years, to provide an up to date summary. We have also referenced expert review articles and included opinion based on clinical experience. In myeloma, neoplastic plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow (fig 1⇓) and produce a monoclonal protein that is …