Citations

Abstract Much has been learned regarding the biology and clinical implications of genetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma. Because of recent advances in the field, an International Workshop was held in Paris in February of 2003. This summary describes the consensus recommendations arising from that meeting with special emphasis on novel genetic observations. For instance, it is increasingly clear that translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus are important for the pathogenesis of one-half of patients. As a corollary, it also clear that the remaining patients, lacking IgH translocations, have hyperdiploidy as the hallmark of their disease. Several important genetic markers are associated with a shortened survival such as chromosome 13 monosomy, hypodiploidy, and others. The events leading the transformation of the monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to myeloma are still unclear. One of the few differential genetic lesions between myeloma and MGUS is the presence of ras mutations in the latter. Gene expression platforms are capable of detecting many of the genetic aberrations found in the clonal cells of myeloma. Areas in need of further study were identified. The study of the genetic aberrations will likely form the platform for targeted therapy for the disease.

Molecular diagnostic tools and novel therapeutics now offer the potential for accurate prognostic and personalized treatment road maps for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We will review the evidence and provide specific recommendations for routine clinical molecular genetic testing and use of such information to guide therapeutic decision making. In particular, the negative prognostic impact of specific IgH translocations such as the t(4;14), t(14;16), chromosome 13 deletion by conventional cytogenetics and loss of 17p13 by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization are now established. Preliminary gene expression profiling studies have also demonstrated that individual genes (CSK1-B) or groups of genes can define prognosis with greater accuracy than conventional genetic markers and can provide pharmacogenomic and biologic insight into the pathophysiology, therapeutics, and future targets of myeloma. Importantly, we recommend that all clinical trials now adopt routine genetic testing and risk stratification.