Genetic events in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma

The genetics of myeloma has been increasingly elucidated in recent years. Recurrent genetic events, and also biologically distinct and clinically relevant genetic subtypes of myeloma have been defined. This has facilitated our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, some genetic abnormalities have proved to be highly reproducible prognostic factors. With the expanding therapeutic armamentarium, it is time to include genetic assessment as part of clinical evaluation of myeloma patients to guide management. In this review we examine the role of various genetic abnormalities in the molecular pathogenesis of myeloma, and the use of such abnormalities in disease classification, prognosis and clinical management.