POEMS Syndrome: Clinical Update and Management

<p><strong>POEMS syndrome</strong> is a life-threatening, multi-system disorder driven by an underlying <strong>plasma cell neoplasm</strong>, characterized by mandatory major criteria such as <strong>polyneuropathy</strong> and a <strong>clonal plasma cell disorder</strong>. Diagnosis requires a careful combination of clinical evaluations, radiographic bone assessments, bone marrow biopsies, and elevated <strong>vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)</strong> levels. Because the condition&#39;s pathogenesis remains poorly understood, risk stratification relies primarily on the patient&#39;s <strong>clinical phenotype</strong> and specific prognostic indicators like age and renal function. Treatment strategies are generally <strong>risk-adapted</strong>, utilizing localized irradiation for dominant solitary plasmacytomas or <strong>systemic therapy</strong>—such as alkylator-based regimens, immunomodulatory drugs, and <strong>autologous stem cell transplantation</strong>—for disseminated bone marrow involvement. Emphasizing prompt recognition, supportive care, and clone-directed therapies yields the best outcomes for patients managing this complex and rare syndrome.</p>