Molecular Cytogenetics of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell tumor characterized by multiple genetic lesions. Two main groups of abnormalities can be distinguished: Hyper diploid and hipodoploid, in which the chromosome number is mainly constituted by trisomies or monosomies, respectively. The advent of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) has permitted to identify genomic lesions that have been integrated into a prognostic score system that take in consideration also clinical parameters. This simple analysis can be part of the initial evaluation of the patient and can drive more accurately his treatment.