Gain(1)(q21) is an Unfavorable Genetic Prognostic Factor for Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Treated With Thalidomide but Not for Those Treated With Bortezomib

BackgroundPrognostic impact of specific chromosomal aberrations in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) treated with the novel agents is briefly described.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed the prognostic value of an extended panel of chromosomal aberrations [del(13)(q14), del(17)(p13), t(4;14)(p16;q32), gain(1)(q21), and hyperdiploidy] by using the technique of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in a cohort of 102 patients with relapsed MM treated with thalidomide- or bortezomib-based protocols.ResultsThe gain(1)(q21) had a negative impact on overall survival for patients with MM treated with thalidomide (15.7 vs. 41.3 months; P = .004). Moreover, we confirmed the negative impact of the cumulative effect of 2 or more cytogenetic changes that occur simultaneously on the overall survival in the thalidomide group (20.3 months vs. not yet reached; P = .039). We did not find any significant impact of the aberrations studied on overall survival in the bortezomib cohort of patients.ConclusionWe conclude that bortezomib-based protocols are able to partially overcome the negative prognostic impact of the tested chromosomal abnormalities in patients with relapsed MM.