A study published recently in Nature Communications has identified eight new genetic risk loci for myeloma, providing further insights into the genetic and biological basis of its predisposition. The research, performed at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and part funded by Myeloma UK involved a meta-analysis of pooled data from several independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) which included nearly 10,000 cases and 24,000 controls, making it the largest GWAS of myeloma performed to date. Eight new genetic susceptibility loci were identified, seven of which mapped intragenically to transcribed genes relevant to myeloma or B-cell biology. More research will be needed to understand the biology behind these risk variants which could ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic targets.

 

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