ASH 2023 | B-cells and pre-plasma cells are important reservoirs responsible for relapse in multiple myeloma

In multiple myeloma (MM), the focus has historically been on eradicating plasma cells to treat the disease. Rodger Tiedemann, PhD, ChB, MB BCh, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada, discusses research that calls attention to the existence of MM B-cells and pre-plasma cells with the same chromosomal abnormalities as MM plasma cells and suggests that these progenitor cells may be important reservoirs which lead to relapse following treatment. Through observing the mutational profiles of cells in patients over time, Dr Tiedemann and his team determined that relapsing plasma cells were derived from myeloma B-cells and pre-plasma cells. These cells do not respond to current therapeutic approaches, and Dr Tiedemann believes that targeting and eradicating progenitor cell sub-populations will be vital in developing a cure for MM. This interview took place at the 65th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition, held in San Diego, CA.

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