New Biomarker and Revised Risk Criteria Refine Multiple Myeloma Prognosis

Australian researchers have identified high levels of the protein Desmoglein‑2 (DSG2) as a strong predictor of shorter survival in patients with multiple myeloma. An analysis of 678 newly diagnosed patients showed that those with the highest DSG2 expression faced significantly increased risks of disease progression and death, suggesting the marker could complement existing genomic testing at diagnosis.

In the United States, investigators re‑evaluated the definition of functional high‑risk (FHR) multiple myeloma in the era of modern quadruplet therapy and autologous stem‑cell transplantation. They found that progression within 36 months of treatment (designated FHR36) identified a subgroup with survival under two years after progression, comprising about 16 % of treated patients. The authors recommend prioritising early T‑cell‑redirecting therapies and clinical‑trial enrollment for this group.