A multicenter retrospective study of 223 patients with t(14;16) in multiple myeloma

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• The t(14;16) translocation is a genetic abnormality found in a subset of multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
• Previous studies on t(14;16) MM characteristics and outcomes were limited by small cohort sizes.
• This genetic marker has been associated with a poorer prognosis in MM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with the t(14;16) translocation in multiple myeloma.
• To analyze a large, real-world cohort to provide more robust data on this specific MM subset.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing survival in t(14;16) MM patients.

Main Methods:

• An international, multicenter, retrospective study involving 223 patients with t(14;16) multiple myeloma.
• Data collection included initial presentation characteristics, first-line therapies, and outcomes.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and to identify predictors of survival.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of patients (24%) presented with renal impairment, and 56% had hemoglobin <10 g/dL.
• First-line therapy commonly involved immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors (35%), with 42% undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.
• Median PFS was 2.1 years and median OS was 4.1 years. Age >60 years and revised International Staging System (R-ISS) stage 3 were associated with worse OS.

Conclusions:

• The t(14;16) translocation in multiple myeloma is associated with a high rate of renal impairment at diagnosis.
• Older age and advanced disease stage (R-ISS 3) are significant predictors of poor survival in this patient group.
• This study provides crucial insights into the characteristics and outcomes of t(14;16) MM based on the largest reported cohort to date.