Implications of heterogeneity in multiple myeloma

Sanjay de Mel; Su Hong Lim; Moon Ley Tung; Wee-Joo Chng

doi:10.1155/2014/232546

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Implications of heterogeneity in multiple myeloma

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Implications of heterogeneity in multiple myeloma

Sanjay de Mel, Su Hong Lim, Moon Ley Tung and Wee-Joo Chng

BioMed research international, Vol.2014, pp.232546-12

2014

DOI: 10.1155/2014/232546

PMCID: PMC4102035

PMID: 25101266

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Abstract

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the world. Despite improvement in outcome, the disease is still incurable for most patients. However, not all myeloma are the same. With the same treatment, some patients can have very long survival whereas others can have very short survival. This suggests that there is underlying heterogeneity in myeloma. Studies over the years have revealed multiple layers of heterogeneity. First, clinical parameters such as age and tumor burden could significantly affect outcome. At the genetic level, there are also significant heterogeneity ranging for chromosome numbers, genetic translocations, and genetic mutations. At the clonal level, there appears to be significant clonal heterogeneity with multiple clones coexisting in the same patient. At the cell differentiation level, there appears to be a hierarchy of clonally related cells that have different clonogenic potential and sensitivity to therapies. These levels of complexities present challenges in terms of treatment and prognostication as well as monitoring of treatment. However, if we can clearly delineate and dissect this heterogeneity, we may also be presented with unique opportunities for precision and personalized treatment of myeloma. Some proof of concepts of such approaches has been demonstrated.

B-Lymphocytes - pathology

Cell Differentiation - genetics

Chromosome Aberrations

Genetic Heterogeneity

Humans

Multiple Myeloma - genetics

Multiple Myeloma - pathology

Mutation - genetics

Translocation, Genetic - genetics

Details

Title: Subtitle: Implications of heterogeneity in multiple myeloma
Creators: Sanjay de Mel - National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
Su Hong Lim - National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
Moon Ley Tung - National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
Wee-Joo Chng - National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: BioMed research international, Vol.2014, pp.232546-12
DOI: 10.1155/2014/232546
PMID: 25101266
PMCID: PMC4102035
NLM abbreviation: Biomed Res Int
ISSN: 2314-6133
eISSN: 2314-6141
Language: English
Date published: 2014
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Medical Genetics and Genomics
Record Identifier: 9984354036902771

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