BCMA Polymorphisms in Patients With Multiple Myeloma

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA, TNFRSF17) gene polymorphisms on treatment response and survival in patients with multiple myeloma. BCMA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily that is expressed on late memory B cells and all plasma cells. Together with the B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), BCMA binds the ligands B cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), thereby regulating the survival, maturation, and differentiation of B cells and plasma cells. In this study, BCMA polymorphisms will be analyzed by next-generation sequencing in stored genomic DNA samples from 320 patients with multiple myeloma and 100 healthy controls. Genotype frequencies will be compared between patients and controls, and their association with response to first-line treatment, progression-free survival, and overall survival will be evaluated in patients with multiple myeloma.