Next-generation sequencing in multiple myeloma: insights into the molecular heterogeneity of the disease

SUMMARY Multiple myeloma (MM) is a still incurable malignant proliferation of clonal bone marrow plasma cells that is characterized by its variable clinical course, biology and molecular and genetic configuration. Given its relatively high incidence among hematological malignancies, a number of studies have taken advantage of large MM cohorts and used global gene, miRNA expression and genome-wide DNA profiling, and – more recently – next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to investigate the genomic alterations underlying its bioclinical heterogeneity. Although still limited, NGS studies of MM have undoubtedly allowed a finer characterization of the molecular structure underlying the disease by further highlighting its heterogeneity and revealing novel molecular alterations. Herein, we present the main acquisitions on MM knowledge reached by the application of NGS.