How many stages are there in the progression of multiple myeloma?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Multiple myeloma is staged into three levels (I, II, and III) to help doctors assess how advanced the cancer is, predict outcomes, and guide treatment decisions. Staging is typically based on blood test results, including beta-2 microglobulin, albumin, and LDH levels, along with genetic markers. Early stages generally indicate slower-progressing disease, while later stages suggest more aggressive cancer requiring intensive treatment.

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Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. The progression of this disease is divided into three stages.

Stage I: This is the earliest stage, where the cancer is less advanced. Patients often have fewer symptoms, and the levels of certain proteins and other markers in the blood and urine are lower.
Stage II: This is a middle stage where the cancer is more developed than Stage I but not as advanced as Stage III. The levels of markers are higher than in Stage I.
Stage III: This is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has progressed significantly. Patients usually have more symptoms, and the levels of markers are the highest.

If you're experiencing concerning symptoms and want to better understand what they might indicate, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help guide your next steps. These stages are determined using tests that measure proteins and other substances in the blood and urine. Knowing the stage helps doctors choose the best treatment plan for each patient.

(References)

Greipp PR, San Miguel J, Durie BG, Crowley JJ, Barlogie B, Bladé J, et al. (2005). International staging system for multiple myeloma. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 15809451.
Cho H, Yoon DH, Lee JB, Kim SY, Moon JH, Do YR, et al. (2017). Comprehensive evaluation of the revised international .... American journal of hematology, 28833417.
D'Agostino M, Cairns DA, Lahuerta JJ, Wester R, Bertsch U, Waage A, et al. (2022). Second Revision of the International Staging .... Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 35605179.

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