Genetics factors in myeloma

The development of B cells, their maturation to plasma cells and the production of immunoglobulins is normally kept under tight control but in myeloma, this is lost. It is now recognised that in almost all cases of myeloma, there is some form of genetic abnormality or mutation that plays a key role in driving the development of the disease.

These mutations can range in size from a single change in the DNA sequence to large segments of the chromosomes that affect genes controlling cell growth and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Genetic studies have revealed that the malignant myeloma clones are likely to evolve late on in B cell development with mutations being acquired at the level of the memory B cell or plasmablast in the lymph nodes.

It is important to recognise that there is also an inherited genetic predisposition to myeloma as evidenced by a higher incidence amongst family members and between different ethnic backgrounds. However, inherited genetic factors do not themselves cause myeloma.

Watch the following animation which describes what happens at the genetic level during myeloma development.