Genetics of multiple myeloma: another heterogeneity level?

Blood. 2015 Mar 19;125(12):1870-6. doi: 10.1182/blood-2014-10-567370. Epub 2015 Jan 27.

Abstract

Our knowledge of myeloma genetics remained limited and lagged behind many other hematologic malignancies because of the inherent difficulties in generating metaphases within the malignant plasma cell clone. With the development of molecular techniques (microarrays and next-generation sequencing), our understanding has been highly improved in the past 5 years. These studies have not only confirmed the prevalence of wide heterogeneity in myeloma at the molecular level, but has also provided a much clearer picture of the disease pathogenesis and progression. Whether these data will enable improvements in the therapeutic approach is still a matter of debate. The next improvement will come from detailed analyses of these molecular features to try to move from a treatment fitted to every patient to individualized therapies, taking into account the complexity of the chromosomal changes, the mutation spectrum, and subclonality evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / physiopathology
  • Mutation
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Prognosis