Genetics and Cytogenetics of Multiple Myeloma

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 immunoglobin 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…