Mark W. Bustoros, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the role of next-generation sequencing for patients with multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is an aggressive blood cancer and is always preceded by 2 precursors, explains Bustoros. According to previous large studies, almost 75% of patients with smoldering multiple myeloma will progress on their diagnosis. However, it was unknown which patients would progress early or later, Bustoros adds.

Addressing this question by detecting the genomic alterations in smoldering multiple myeloma may determine if they are contributing to the progression of these patients. This could help improve the overall outcomes of these patients because physicians can target the patients who are at high risk and offer them treatment.

Mark W. Bustoros, MD

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Dr. Bustoros on Next-Generation Sequencing in Multiple Myeloma