title: Inherited genetic susceptibility to multiple myeloma.
abstract: Although the familial clustering of multiple myeloma (MM) supports the role of inherited susceptibility, only recently has direct evidence for genetic predisposition been demonstrated. A meta-analysis of two genome-wide association (GWA) studies has identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) localising to a number of genomic regions that are robustly associated with MM risk. In this review, we provide an overview of the evidence supporting a genetic contribution to the predisposition to MM and MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance), and the insight this gives into the biological basis of disease aetiology. We also highlight the promise of future approaches to identify further specific risk factors and their potential clinical utility.
authors.affiliation: Haemato-Oncology Research Unit, Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, UK.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: Haemato-Oncology Research Unit, Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, UK.
authors.forename: D C
authors.identifier: 0000000308873343
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Weinhold
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Goldschmidt
authors.affiliation: Multiple Myeloma Section, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Landgren
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Creighton's Hereditary Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: 1] Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany [2] Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hemminki
authors.affiliation: Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Surrey, UK.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Houlston
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000235:genetics*; D010375:Pedigree