New research has identified a more accurate way of predicting which multiple myeloma patients, a type of blood cancer, are likely to relapse early following treatment.
A study carried out by a team of researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, found that combining two types of genetic tests gives doctors a much better chance of identifying multiple myeloma patients who are at risk of early relapse.
The findings show that combining traditional DNA profiling with newer RNA gene expression testing significantly improves the ability to identify patients at risk of early relapse.
The researchers suggest that detecting high-risk patients at an earlier stage enables doctors to tailor personalised treatment plans, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
Supporting comprehensive genetic testing
The results support more comprehensive genetic testing at diagnosis to better guide treatment and disease monitoring of multiple myeloma, which affects over 33,000 people in the UK.
While some multiple myeloma patients respond well to standard treatments, others experience an early relapse despite not showing any high-risk signs at diagnosis.
The study tracked 135 of these patients for over seven years and found that 18.5% of patients relapsed within 18 months, following a stem cell transplant.
The results showed that 84% of these early relapses could have been predicted by using two types of genetic tests together. Only two patients had a truly unexpected early relapse, meaning they had no known risk markers at diagnosis.
Spotting high-risk multiple myeloma patients
The proposed gene expression profiling test assesses the activity of specific genes and can identify high-risk multiple myeloma patients that other tests might miss.
The Royal Marsden, a specialist cancer hospital in London, will implement and deliver the gene expression profiling test (MMprofiler) to patients in early 2026.
The test will bolster the accuracy of diagnostic assessments, allowing consultants to better understand the behaviour of myeloma cancer cells before planning treatment.
Study leader Professor Martin Kaiser, Professor in Molecular Haematology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Haematologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, explained: “While current treatments can work very well for many patients, there are others who do not respond well and may relapse early. Some patients relapse early after treatment, even though they didn’t show any known high-risk signs at diagnosis.
“By combining DNA profiling with RNA-based testing, we could change how we diagnose and treat the disease, allowing us to personalise care and intervene earlier for patients at greatest risk.”
Transforming patient care with precision diagnostics
By combining DNA and RNA testing, the researchers have created a far more accurate method of predicting early relapse in multiple myeloma, which affects thousands in the UK and many more globally.
“This is a powerful example of how precision diagnostics can transform patient care. Earlier and more reliable identification of high-risk patients allows clinicians to tailor treatment plans from the outset, with the potential to improve both survival and quality of life,” stated Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research.
“It also enables more efficient use of healthcare resources, ensuring that the right patients receive the right treatments at the right time.”
Shelagh McKinlay, Director of Research and Advocacy at blood cancer charity Myeloma UK, added: “We believe that advanced genetic testing has the power to be transformative in the treatment of myeloma.
“By pinpointing which patients are most likely to relapse and stop responding to currently available drugs, we can improve the lives of thousands of people affected by this incurable cancer.”
