FaMMily Affairs: Dissecting inherited contributions to multiple myeloma risk

Etiological links to multiple myeloma (MM) remain poorly understood, though emerging evidence suggests a significant hereditary component. This review integrates current literature on inherited factors contributing to MM risk, synthesizing both epidemiologic and genomic data. We examine familial clustering patterns, assess genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that reveal common genetic variants linked to MM, and explore rare, high-penetrance variants in key susceptibility genes. Additionally, we advocate for routine germline screening in high-risk MM populations, particularly those with a strong family history of cancer, a personal history of cancer, or early-onset disease. By elucidating the inherited influences on MM predisposition, this review seeks to inform future research and refine risk assessment strategies in this population.