Somatic variants and frequencies of familial myeloma germline predisposition genes among patients within the CoMMpass dataset.

BACKGROUND

Genetic factors associated with familial multiple myeloma (MM) have been studied, yet the somatic engagement of germline predisposition genes remains underexplored. This study aims to systematically analyze somatic variants in previously reported germline familial myeloma predisposition genes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

A systematic literature search identified 179 genes associated with familial MM. Somatic variants and associated demographic data from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass Study, which includes non-selected myeloma patients (5.3% with a first-degree family history of hematological malignancy) were analyzed.

RESULTS

1863 somatic variants across the 179 predisposition genes were detected, with substitutions being the most common variant type (95.7%) and missense variants the most frequent consequence (40.6%). Notably mutated genes with pathogenic potential included DIS3, LRP1B, EP300, SAMHD1, ARID1A, DNAH2, MUC17, BIRC6, MYH14, DSP, and DCHS1. Pathogenic variants did not show significant demographic associations. Moreover, variant types, consequences, and associated demographics revealed similar rates in young myeloma patients (≤50 years) and patients with a first-degree family history of hematological malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights a significant rate of pathogenic somatic variants in germline predisposition genes of familial myeloma, suggesting candidate genes to be investigated in myelomagenesis.