Which disease is assessed using the International Staging System (ISS)?

The International Staging System (ISS) is specifically designed for assessing multiple myeloma. This system categorizes the disease based on two key laboratory values: serum beta-2-microglobulin and serum albumin levels. These factors are critical indicators that reflect the tumor burden and overall health of the patient, providing valuable insights into prognosis.

In multiple myeloma, the stage determined by the ISS helps to guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes. Higher levels of beta-2-microglobulin, for instance, suggest more advanced disease and can influence the therapeutic approach.

The other choices include diseases that are staged using different systems. Hodgkin's lymphoma is typically assessed using the Ann Arbor staging system, leukemia staging can vary greatly depending on the specific type, and colon cancer is often staged using the TNM system. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for oncology professionals in determining the most appropriate management strategies for each type of cancer.