The Multiple Myeloma Project

Preface

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Chinese Association for Blood Sciences (CABS) for their outstanding organization of the 2022 conference and the memorable football match held in Shanghai. These events provided a valuable platform for scientific exchange and helped foster meaningful connections among researchers.

During the conference, I had the privilege of engaging in a stimulating discussion with Professor Dai Yun from the First Hospital of Jilin University. Our conversation took place at our hotel following the football match and focused on recent advancements in the molecular subtyping of hematological malignancies. I highlighted the significant progress made in refining molecular classifications for B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL)(Liu et al. 2016; Li et al. 2018) and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)(Chen et al. 2018; Dai et al. 2022). These advances have enhanced diagnostic precision and opened new avenues for targeted therapies.

In response, Professor Dai shared his insights on the molecular classification of multiple myeloma, emphasizing its inherent complexity—particularly in Chinese and broader Asian populations. He noted that patients in these groups often exhibit distinct molecular and clinical features compared to their Western counterparts, posing unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Intrigued by this perspective, Professor Dai proposed a collaborative research initiative aimed at improving molecular subtyping specifically for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma. He suggested that methodologies and insights from BCP-ALL and T-ALL research could be adapted to address these challenges.

I found Professor Dai’s proposal both compelling and timely, as it aligns with the growing demand for precision medicine tailored to diverse populations. Our discussion sparked enthusiasm for exploring how cutting-edge molecular techniques—such as next-generation sequencing and integrated genomic profiling—could be leveraged to better characterize multiple myeloma in Chinese patients. This exchange laid the groundwork for our current collaborative project, which seeks to bridge the gap in molecular subtyping and improve patient outcomes through personalized approaches.

This initiative reflects the spirit of international collaboration encouraged by events such as the CABS conference, and I am optimistic about its potential to advance our understanding of multiple myeloma and contribute to more effective, population-specific therapeutic strategies.

Chen, B., L. Jiang, M. L. Zhong, J. F. Li, B. S. Li, L. J. Peng, Y. T. Dai, et al. 2018. “Identification of Fusion Genes and Characterization of Transcriptome Features in t-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.” Journal Article. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115 (2): 373–78. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1717125115.

Dai, Y. T., F. Zhang, H. Fang, J. F. Li, G. Lu, L. Jiang, B. Chen, et al. 2022. “Transcriptome-Wide Subtyping of Pediatric and Adult t Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in an International Study of 707 Cases.” Journal Article. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 119 (15): e2120787119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2120787119.

Li, J. F., Y. T. Dai, H. Lilljebjorn, S. H. Shen, B. W. Cui, L. Bai, Y. F. Liu, et al. 2018. “Transcriptional Landscape of b Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Based on an International Study of 1,223 Cases.” Journal Article. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 115 (50): E11711–20. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1814397115.

Liu, Y. F., B. Y. Wang, W. N. Zhang, J. Y. Huang, B. S. Li, M. Zhang, L. Jiang, et al. 2016. “Genomic Profiling of Adult and Pediatric b-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.” Journal Article. EBioMedicine 8: 173–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.04.038.