Radiotherapy for solitary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma in the current era

Background: Radiotherapy is one of the mainstays of the treatment of malignant plasma cell diseases. In the case of localized solitary plasmacytoma, radiotherapy is the curative treatment of choice. In multiple myeloma, radiotherapy is an effective palliative therapy to relieve pain and restore bone stability. Objective: The aim of this paper is to summarize important considerations for the indication and application of radiotherapy for malignant plasma cell diseases. Materials and methodsThe work comprises a review of the literature as well as a discussion of basic research, guidelines, and expert recommendations. Results: Radiotherapy continues to play an important role in the treatment of solitary plasmacytomas and multiple myeloma. Effective pain relief and local stabilization of the bone substance are already achievable with well-tolerated doses of 30 Gy in myeloma. Local control in solitary plasmacytoma is, likewise, excellent, at over 90% after slightly higher doses of 40-50 Gy.