Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (843 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Conditions characterized by the presence of M protein (Monoclonal protein) in serum or urine without clinical manifestations of plasma cell dyscrasia.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Benign Monoclonal Gammopathies; Benign Monoclonal Gammopathy; Monoclonal Gammopathy, Benign; Monoclonal Gammopathies, Benign; Monoclonal Gammapathies, Benign; Benign Monoclonal Gammapathies; Benign Monoclonal Gammapathy; Monoclonal Gammapathy, Benign.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Hypergammaglobulinemia; Paraproteinemias
- Narrower topics
- Schnitzler Syndrome
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 2,119 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 723 of them (34.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 886 records.
Reviews account for 437 records (20.6%) and meta-analyses for 9. Randomized controlled trials number 11 (0.5%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 268 |
| 2000-2009 | 242 |
| 2010-2019 | 886 |
| 2020 onward | 723 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 437 | 20.6% |
| Meta-analyses | 9 | 0.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 11 | 0.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in immunology
Immune responses are studied in model organisms, in cells from donors and in patients, and the same pathway can behave differently across these settings. Mouse immune systems differ from human ones in important ways, and blood measurements may not reflect what happens in tissues. Clinical conclusions about immune-mediated disease or immunotherapy come mainly from controlled trials and long-term cohorts. Check the species and tissue studied, whether markers were linked to outcomes patients notice, and the follow-up time.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Iceland screens, treats, or prevents multiple myeloma (iStopMM): a population-based screening study for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and randomized controlled trial of follow-up strategies [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes multiple myeloma (MM).
- Closing excerpt
- The study can lead to a paradigm shift in MM therapy towards screening and early therapy.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (199 words)
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes multiple myeloma (MM). Population-based screening for MGUS could identify candidates for early treatment in MM. Here we describe the Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents Multiple Myeloma study (iStopMM), the first population-based screening study for MGUS including a randomized trial of follow-up strategies. Icelandic residents born before 1976 were offered participation. Blood samples are collected alongside blood sampling in the Icelandic healthcare system. Participants with MGUS are randomized to three study arms. Arm 1 is not contacted, arm 2 follows current guidelines, and arm 3 follows a more intensive strategy. Participants who progress are offered early treatment. Samples are collected longitudinally from arms 2 and 3 for the study biobank. All participants repeatedly answer questionnaires on various exposures and outcomes including quality of life and psychiatric health. National registries on health are cross-linked to all participants. Of the 148,704 individuals in the target population, 80 759 (54.3%) provided informed consent for participation. With a very high participation rate, the data from the iStopMM study will answer important questions on MGUS, including potentials harms and benefits of screening. The study can lead to a paradigm shift in MM therapy towards screening and early therapy.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 34001889 · DOI · PMC8128921
Prevalence of myeloma precursor state monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in 12372 individuals 10-49 years old: a population-based study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- We studied the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in younger individuals, age 10-49 years, using samples from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) III.
- Closing excerpt
- In persons less than 50 years of age, MGUS is significantly more prevalent, with up to 10 years earlier age of onset, in blacks compared with whites.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (195 words)
We studied the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in younger individuals, age 10-49 years, using samples from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) III. NHANES prevalence rates were standardized to the 2000 US total population. Among 12 372 individuals (4073 blacks, 4146 Mexican-Americans, 3595 whites, and 558 others), MGUS was identified in 63 persons (0.34%, 95% CI 0.23-0.50). The prevalence of MGUS was significantly higher in blacks (0.88%, 95% CI 0.62-1.26) compared with whites (0.22%, 95% CI 0.11-0.45), P=0.001. The prevalence of MGUS in Mexican-Americans was at an intermediate level (0.41%, 95% CI 0.23-0.73). The disparity in prevalence of MGUS between blacks and whites was most striking in the 40-49 age-group; 3.26% (95% CI 2.04-5.18) versus 0.53% (95% CI 0.20-1.37), P=0.0013. There was a trend to earlier age of onset of MGUS in blacks compared with whites. MGUS was seen in only two persons in the 10-19 age-group (both Mexican-American), and in three persons in the 20-29-year age-group (all of whom were black). In persons less than 50 years of age, MGUS is significantly more prevalent, with up to 10 years earlier age of onset, in blacks compared with whites.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 29053158 · DOI · PMC5678222
Detection and prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a study utilizing mass spectrometry-based monoclonal immunoglobulin rapid accurate mass measurement [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- High-sensitivity mass spectrometry assays are available to detect monoclonal immunoglobulins.
- Closing excerpt
- This represents the most accurate prevalence estimate of MGUS thus far.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (190 words)
High-sensitivity mass spectrometry assays are available to detect monoclonal immunoglobulins. To better assess the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), we identified 300 patients diagnosed with MGUS or related gammopathy who had a prior negative work-up for monoclonal proteins as part of the Olmsted County MGUS screening study. Two mass spectrometry-based detection methods (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and monoclonal immunoglobulin rapid accurate mass measurements (miRAMM) along with traditional immunofixation were performed on the Olmsted baseline and MGUS diagnostics serum samples. Among the 226 patients considered negative for MGUS based on protein electrophoresis and serum-free light-chain assay, a monoclonal protein could be detected at baseline in 24 patients (10.6%) by immunofixation, 113 patients (50%) by MADLI-TOF mass spectrometry, and 149 patients (65.9%) by miRAMM mass spectrometry. In addition, using miRAMM, some patients demonstrated an oligoclonal to monoclonal transition giving insight into the origin of MGUS. Using the sensitive miRAMM, MGUS is present in 887 of 17,367 persons from the Olmsted County cohort, translating into a prevalence of 5.1% among persons 50 years of age and older. This represents the most accurate prevalence estimate of MGUS thus far.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31836698 · DOI · PMC6910906
CIDP With and Without Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): Comparison of Clinical Phenotype, Diagnostic Features, and Treatment Response [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background and aimsMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) occurs in some patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), but its impact on clinical phenotype and treatment response remains unclear.
- Closing excerpt
- These findings indicate that, although IgG MGUS is associated with CIDP, the presence of IgG MGUS does not constitute a distinct subgroup with unique clinical features or treatment implications.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (259 words)
Background and aimsMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) occurs in some patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), but its impact on clinical phenotype and treatment response remains unclear. We assessed the prevalence of paraproteinemia in CIDP and compared disease features between CIDP patients with and without MGUS.MethodsWe used data from the International CIDP Outcome Study (ICOS), a prospective cohort study. We compared the prevalence and causes of paraproteinemia in CIDP to matched disease controls (axonal polyneuropathy or motor neuron disease) and compared disease features and treatment responses between CIDP patients with and without MGUS. Treatment response, defined as a ≥ 1-point improvement on the modified Rankin scale, was retrospectively assessed.ResultsIgG paraproteinemia was more common in CIDP than in controls (9%, 17/193 vs. 3%, 6/192; p = 0.03). IgM and IgA paraprotein prevalences did not differ. One CIDP patient had Waldenström macroglobulinemia; others had MGUS. Patients with IgG MGUS less often had an acute clinical presentation (6% vs. 33%; p = 0.02), more often had sensory deficits (94% vs. 67%; p = 0.02), and prolonged distal CMAP duration (64% vs. 31%; p = 0.02), compared to patients without MGUS. First-line treatment response rates were comparable (80% [IgG MGUS] vs. 67% [no MGUS]; p = 0.39).InterpretationIgG MGUS is more prevalent in CIDP than in controls. Presence of IgG MGUS is weakly associated with some CIDP disease features, but not treatment response. These findings indicate that, although IgG MGUS is associated with CIDP, the presence of IgG MGUS does not constitute a distinct subgroup with unique clinical features or treatment implications.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41819123 · DOI · PMC12981947
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma: IMWG consensus perspectives risk factors for progression and guidelines for monitoring and management [5]
- Research article Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: when MGUS is no longer undetermined or insignificant [6]
- Research article Targeting the bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma [7]
- Research article Diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance [8]
- Research article Molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and its premalignant precursor [9]
- Research article The multiple myelomas - current concepts in cytogenetic classification and therapy [10]
References
- Rögnvaldsson S, Love TJ, Thorsteinsdottir S, Reed ER, Óskarsson JÞ, Pétursdóttir Í, et al.. Iceland screens, treats, or prevents multiple myeloma (iStopMM): a population-based screening study for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and randomized controlled trial of follow-up strategies. . 2021. PMID 34001889 · DOI · PMC8128921
- Landgren O, Graubard BI, Kumar S, Kyle RA, Katzmann JA, Murata K, et al.. Prevalence of myeloma precursor state monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in 12372 individuals 10-49 years old: a population-based study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. . 2017. PMID 29053158 · DOI · PMC5678222
- Murray D, Kumar SK, Kyle RA, Dispenzieri A, Dasari S, Larson DR, et al.. Detection and prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a study utilizing mass spectrometry-based monoclonal immunoglobulin rapid accurate mass measurement. . 2019. PMID 31836698 · DOI · PMC6910906
- van Veen R, Baars AE, van Doorn IN, Michael M, Bus SRM, Broers MC, et al.. CIDP With and Without Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): Comparison of Clinical Phenotype, Diagnostic Features, and Treatment Response. . 2026. PMID 41819123 · DOI · PMC12981947
- Kyle RA, Durie BG, Rajkumar SV, Landgren O, Blade J, Merlini G, et al.. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma: IMWG consensus perspectives risk factors for progression and guidelines for monitoring and management. Leukemia. 2010. PMID 20410922 · DOI · PMC7020664
- Leung N, Bridoux F, Hutchison CA, Nasr SH, Cockwell P, Fermand JP, et al.. Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: when MGUS is no longer undetermined or insignificant. Blood. 2012. PMID 23047823 · DOI
- Kawano Y, Moschetta M, Manier S, Glavey S, Görgün GT, Roccaro AM, et al.. Targeting the bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma. Immunol Rev. 2015. PMID 25510276 · DOI
- Bridoux F, Leung N, Hutchison CA, Touchard G, Sethi S, Fermand JP, et al.. Diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. Kidney Int. 2015. PMID 25607108 · DOI
- Kuehl WM, Bergsagel PL. Molecular pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and its premalignant precursor. J Clin Invest. 2012. PMID 23023717 · DOI · PMC3461901
- Kumar SK, Rajkumar SV. The multiple myelomas - current concepts in cytogenetic classification and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2018. PMID 29686421 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.