Multiple Myeloma Genomics: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: This integrative review describes the genomic variants that have been found to be associated with poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). Second, it identifies MM genetic and genomic changes using next-generation sequencing, specifically whole-genome sequencing or exome sequencing.

DATA SOURCE: A search for peer-reviewed articles through PubMed, EBSCOhost, and DePaul WorldCat Libraries Worldwide yielded 33 articles that were included in the final analysis.

CONCLUSION: The most commonly reported genetic changes were KRAS, NRAS, TP53, FAM46C, BRAF, DIS3, ATM, and CCND1. These genetic changes play a role in the pathogenesis of MM, prognostication, and therapeutic targets for novel therapies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: MM genetics and genomics are expanding rapidly; oncology nurse clinicians must have basic competencies in genetics and genomics to help patients understand the complexities of genetic and genomic alterations and be able to refer patients to appropriate genomic professionals if needed.