Cytogenetic data as a prognostic factor in multiple myeloma patients: involvement of 1p12 region an adverse prognostic factor

Multiple myeloma (MM) is charecterized by great clinical heterogeneity. Among known prognostic factors the cytogenetic abnormalities are thought to be of major importance. The aim of this study was to correlate certain chromosomal abnormalities with immunoglobulin isotype and survival in MM patients.Forty-nine Greek MM patients, homogeneously treated with conventional-dose chemotherapy, were cytogenetically studied by direct culture of bone marrow cells and G-banding technique.Twenty-four patients had a normal karyotype while the remaining 25 patients presented numerical and structural abnormalities. Recurrent structural abnormalities were observed. Translocations involving the 14q32 region were observed in 8 cases, while 6 cases exhibited a del(1)(p12). We confirmed the negative impact of chromosomal abnormalities on the overall survival of MM patients and we also showed that t(11;14) had a worse impact on disease outcome as compared to t(14q32) with an unidentified partner chromosome. The presence of del(1) (p12) significantly worsened the prognosis in MM patients. No correlations existed between the association of immunoglobulin isotype with survival or certain chromosomal changes.Further studies are indicated at the molecular level to clarify the exact role and the prognostic value of 1p12 involvement in MM patients.