Delineating the Complex Genomic Landscape of Multiple Myeloma Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Progress and Potential to Supersede Traditional Genetic Testing.

Abstract

Objectives: Recent NGS studies in multiple myeloma identified in one step and with comparable high accuracy to the concurrent cytogenomic tests the characteristic IGH translocations and copy number abnormalities. In addition, NGS allowed detection of gene mutations. This unprecedented success of a comprehensive genomic analysis suggests the possibility of replacing the separate tests in current use (cytogenetics, FISH, SNPs microarray and mutation analysis) with a single more efficient NGS assay. Down the road, NGS appears to have the potential to improve routine patient care with the clinical application of a detailed genomic profile.