EMN 2021 | Role of the microenvironment in myeloma precursor states
Niccolò Bolli, MD, PhD, University of Milan, ltaly, gives a summary of his talk on the role of the microenvironment in myeloma precursor states, outlining the evolution of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma into active multiple myeloma. Prof. Bolli describes how some cases of MGUS or smoldering myeloma evolve without any discernible genetic changes, and outlines the research that has been done to determine the cause of this evolution. Studies in immunocompromised mouse models have demonstrated evidence of active immune surveillance in precursor states. Single-cell studies have identified disorganization of the immune microenvironment in MGUS and changes in lymphocyte populations in active myeloma. Prof. Bolli also describes the relationship between multiple myeloma and the microbiome in the gut, highlighting the potential impact of certain bacterial flora on the immune system, and subsequently on the evolution of myeloma. This interview took place during the 2021 European Myeloma Network (EMN) congress.
Disclosures
Niccolò Bolli, MD, PhD, has received honoraria from Celgene, Janssen and Takeda.
