BRCA Gene Testing in Multiple Myeloma: New Research Reveals Treatment Insights

Key Research Findings Link BRCA Genes to Multiple Myeloma

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, NY) has unveiled groundbreaking findings connecting breast cancer-associated genes with multiple myeloma. This discovery opens new doors for personalized treatment approaches in blood cancer care.

Collaborative Research Effort Yields Powerful Insights

Let me pause for a second and insert a note of special interest. The study was completed by a joint team from Roswell Park,  the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY; the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai (NY); and the biotechnology research company Sema4 in Stamford, CT. The collaboration between these organizations allowed access to data from 1,681 myeloma patients captured in the data banks from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and the Tisch Cancer Center, NY. These data banks provided information regarding tumors, treatments, and resulting outcomes.

Understanding BRCA Genes and Cancer Risk

Every human inherits one copy of the BRCA1 gene and one copy of the BRCA2 gene from each parent [BRCA is shorthand for Breast Cancer]. These genes are part of a class of genes known as tumor suppressors, and when they function properly, they impede cancer by repairing damaged DNA and keeping cells from growing out of control. At times, however, either one of these two genes may also come with an inherited mutation that is passed on from parent to child. This mutation, known as “Pathogenic Germline Variant (PGV)” has been known for quite a long time that they increase the risk of breast cancer but also pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancer. 

How Might BRCA Mutations Impact Multiple Myeloma Patients?

The Roswell Park study has revealed that about 10% of multiple myeloma patients have PGVs in their BRCA genes. Myeloma is typically diagnosed in older people, but this study revealed that patients with PGVs in BRCA genes tended to be younger and with a personal or family history of cancer. They also found that patients with PGVs were more likely than others to benefit from therapy that included the chemotherapy drug melphalan in combination with autologous stem cell transplant.

This study concluded the following :
“ … genetic testing for young or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients could help identify the most promising treatment option for them.”
“ …genetic testing should be considered for young or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who have a personal or family cancer history to guide treatment decisions and alert their family members to their own potential risk.”

The Power of Patient Data in Advancing Myeloma Research

This study is a fine example of the power that is available from the databases that are being compiled by third parties such as MMRF and HealthTree Cure Hub to gain a better understanding of the best potential future therapies that are targeted for our specific patient needs. 

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Source:

• DNA can reveal higher risk of multiple myeloma — and the best treatment