For multiple myeloma, an increased survival of stroma‐dependent multiple myeloma cells at high levels of GDF‐15 linked to worse event‐free survival as well as an enhanced tumour‐initiating and renewal potential have been described.14, 27 Moreover, an in vitro study reported GDF‐15 mediated protection of AML cell lines.28 Our data cannot confirm a general prognostic significance of GDF‐15 for haematological malignancies, yet a specific association of GDF‐15 in multiple myeloma cannot be excluded. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is plasma cell myeloma.