Spatial genomic heterogeneity in multiple myeloma revealed by multi-region sequencing

Nat Commun. 2017 Aug 16;8(1):268. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00296-y.

Abstract

In multiple myeloma malignant plasma cells expand within the bone marrow. Since this site is well-perfused, a rapid dissemination of "fitter" clones may be anticipated. However, an imbalanced distribution of multiple myeloma is frequently observed in medical imaging. Here, we perform multi-region sequencing, including iliac crest and radiology-guided focal lesion specimens from 51 patients to gain insight into the spatial clonal architecture. We demonstrate spatial genomic heterogeneity in more than 75% of patients, including inactivation of CDKN2C and TP53, and mutations affecting mitogen-activated protein kinase genes. We show that the extent of spatial heterogeneity is positively associated with the size of biopsied focal lesions consistent with regional outgrowth of advanced clones. The results support a model for multiple myeloma progression with clonal sweeps in the early phase and regional evolution in advanced disease. We suggest that multi-region investigations are critical to understanding intra-patient heterogeneity and the evolutionary processes in multiple myeloma.In multiple myeloma, malignant cells expand within bone marrow. Here, the authors use multi-region sequencing in patient samples to analyse spatial clonal architecture and heterogeneity, providing novel insight into multiple myeloma progression and evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Marrow / pathology*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p18 / genetics
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Plasma Cells / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics

Substances

  • CDKN2C protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p18
  • FGF12 protein, human
  • KRAS protein, human
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • CYP27B1 protein, human
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)