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Familial multiple myeloma. A review of thirty-seven families
Abstract:
The review of the pertinent literature disclosed 36 reports of familial multiple myeloma, described mostly in siblings, to which the authors add one more family. These patients did not differ significantly from those with non-familial myeloma with regard to sex, age, distribution of monoclonal proteins, clinical and laboratory data, and the course and prognosis of the disease. An increased incidence of immunoglobulin abnormalities was observed in healthy relatives of patients affected with familial myeloma. In most cases the time interval of the diagnosis of myeloma in a family member of a known patient was under 4 years. These observations, in conjunction with reports of myeloma occurring in clusters in a community and the appearance of myeloma in spouses raise the possibility of an environmental factor (virus?) which may contribute to the pathogenesis of myeloma in genetically predisposed individuals. Multiple myeloma should be added to the list of neoplastic diseases in which the family history is relevant and in which genetic and possibly environmental factors may be pathogenetically involved.
Insights
Familial multiple myeloma cases were reviewed, showing no significant differences from non-familial cases. However, increased immunoglobulin abnormalities in relatives suggest genetic and environmental factors in multiple myeloma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic disease primarily affecting plasma cells.
- While often sporadic, familial clustering and environmental factors are increasingly considered in its pathogenesis.
Observation:
- A review identified 36 reports of familial multiple myeloma, predominantly in siblings, with an additional family reported.
- Patients with familial multiple myeloma showed no significant differences in demographics, clinical presentation, or prognosis compared to non-familial cases.
Findings:
- An increased incidence of immunoglobulin abnormalities was noted in healthy relatives of familial multiple myeloma patients.
- Myeloma diagnoses within families often occurred within a 4-year interval.
- Reports of community clusters and spousal myeloma cases suggest potential environmental influences.
Implications:
- Family history is a relevant factor in multiple myeloma.
- Both genetic predisposition and potential environmental factors (e.g., viral agents) may contribute to multiple myeloma development.
- Further research into the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in multiple myeloma is warranted.