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  • OUTLOOK

Will the reclassification of multiple myeloma change how people are treated?

The disease is now recognized as several distinct cancers. Some researchers think that this will lead to more tailored treatments.
  1. Benjamin Plackett

    1. Benjamin Plackett is a freelance writer in London.

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In the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that multiple myeloma is not one condition, but a family of similar — yet genetically distinct — cancers. The term should be multiple myelomas rather than multiple myeloma. Although this diversity is now widely accepted by specialists, there’s still a debate about whether it matters. Some advocate for a broad-strokes strategy in which little attention is given to the cancer’s genes. Others argue for a more tailored approach for each genetic subtype.

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Nature 587, S56-S57 (2020)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-03224-1

This article is part of Nature Outlook: Multiple myeloma, an editorially independent supplement produced with the financial support of third parties. About this content.

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