Understanding the molecular basis of cancer is a critical step toward devising the most effective treatment of the patient as an individual. The promise of molecular targeted therapeutics and personalized cancer care has been demonstrated in breast and lung cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. However, similar examples of success in multiple myeloma have not been achieved despite extensive basic research as well as clinical advances. What is well understood is that myeloma is a heterogeneous disease with great genetic and epigenetic complexity.22, 23 Therefore, there remains a critical need to understand myeloma patient biology in the context of current patient care.24 The objective of this longitudinal study is to identify patient subgroups and phenotypes defined by molecular profiling and clinical features. These profiles will enable a better understanding of mechanisms of disease, drug response and patient relapse. Ultimately the study is intended to drive successful drug development and patient care in multiple myeloma.
