What Is Genomic High-Risk Myeloma?

Although treatment of multiple myeloma has changed dramatically over time, there is still a subpopulation of patients who do not respond to treatments and are labeled as high risk. A combination of serum and genomic markers can be used to identify and stratify these patients according to associations with outcome. The most common method of identifying the genomic markers of high-risk multiple myeloma is using fluorescence in situ hybridization using probes to identify IgH translocations or copy number changes including the t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain 1q, and del(17p). However, as research studies utilize newer technologies, such as whole genome sequencing, more high-risk factors are being identified including mutations of TP53, DIS3, BRAF, and complex structural events. Integration of comprehensive genomic studies into clinical trials will aid in defining the genomic high-risk landscape of multiple myeloma, which in turn can be transferred to individual patient diagnostics and treatment management.