The present invention relates to methods for the stratification of a multiple myeloma (MM) patient comprising determining whether or not B-cells, preferably malignant B-cells of said patient express BCMA protein on their surface. Also, methods for selecting an antibody-based multiple myeloma (MM) therapy is based on whether or not BCMA is expressed on the cell surface of B-cells, preferably malignant B-cells of a patient. Furthermore, antibody-based therapies for patients who have BCMA positive malignant B-cells are provided.