Results from a recent French study identified several factors that predict long-term survival of patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. These prognostic factors include the absence of three key chromosomal abnormalities, low beta-2 microglobulin levels in the blood, and younger age.

The three key chromosomal abnormalities that were absent in patients who survived longer were a gain in chromosome 1 (called 1q gain), a translocation from chromosome 4 to 14 (called t(4;14)), and a deletion in chromosome 17 (called del(17p)). …

Results from a Polish study suggest that a gain in chromosome 1, called 1q21 gain, must be accompanied by other chromosomal abnormalities to negatively affect prognosis in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients on thalidomide therapy.

Based on their findings, the Polish researchers conclude that thalidomide (Thalomid)-based regimens may not help overcome the negative impact of the 1q21 gain on patient survival when multiple chromosomal abnormalities are present.

“The key message [from our study] is that accumulation of adverse genetic abnormalities …