Gene expression profiling for molecular classification of multiple myeloma in newly diagnosed patients

Blood. 2010 Oct 7;116(14):2543-53. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-12-261032. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Abstract

To identify molecularly defined subgroups in multiple myeloma, gene expression profiling was performed on purified CD138(+) plasma cells of 320 newly diagnosed myeloma patients included in the Dutch-Belgian/German HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4 trial. Hierarchical clustering identified 10 subgroups; 6 corresponded to clusters described in the University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS) classification, CD-1 (n = 13, 4.1%), CD-2 (n = 34, 1.6%), MF (n = 32, 1.0%), MS (n = 33, 1.3%), proliferation-associated genes (n = 15, 4.7%), and hyperdiploid (n = 77, 24.1%). Moreover, the UAMS low percentage of bone disease cluster was identified as a subcluster of the MF cluster (n = 15, 4.7%). One subgroup (n = 39, 12.2%) showed a myeloid signature. Three novel subgroups were defined, including a subgroup of 37 patients (11.6%) characterized by high expression of genes involved in the nuclear factor kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway, which include TNFAIP3 and CD40. Another subgroup of 22 patients (6.9%) was characterized by distinct overexpression of cancer testis antigens without overexpression of proliferation genes. The third novel cluster of 9 patients (2.8%) showed up-regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatases PRL-3 and PTPRZ1 as well as SOCS3. To conclude, in addition to 7 clusters described in the UAMS classification, we identified 3 novel subsets of multiple myeloma that may represent unique diagnostic entities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Europe
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / classification
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism*
  • Syndecan-1 / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Syndecan-1