CKS1B/CDKN2C (P18) amplification/deletion as prognostic markers in multiple myeloma patients

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is neoplasia of plasma cells characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Amplification of 1q21 (CKS1B) is the most common recurrent chromosomal aberration in myeloma. Overexpression of the CKS1B gene upregulates cell cycle processes and leads to a more proliferative malignant plasma cell. This is related to an unfavorable clinical course with poor prognosis and disease progression. Also the deletions of CDKN2C have been identified in 40% of the studied MM cases and hence inactivation of CDKN2C may be an important step in the initiation and progression of MM and could be an important prognostic factor. The aim of the work The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of CKS1B gain and CDKN2C gene deletion in MM patients. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study was carried out on 40 newly diagnosed MM patients who were submitted to routine laboratory investigations, including complete blood count, bone marrow aspiration, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, albumin, plasma protein electrophoresis, 24 h urine for total protein, and β2-microglobulin, and to detection of CKS1B/CDKN2C (P18) amplification/deletion by fluorescence in-situ hybridization technique. Results On using fluorescence in-situ hybridization, we found that 25% (10 out of 40) of patients showed CKS1B gain and 20% (eight out of 40) showed positive deletion of the CDKN2C gene. All these patients showed inferior outcome and short survival. Conclusion MM patients with CKS1B/CDKN2C (P18) amplification/deletion had a more aggressive disease with adverse impact on survival, which makes CKS1B and CDKN2C genes valuable prognostic indicators in MM patients.