Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a chromosome FISH-based test which surpasses conventional methods in identifying chromosomal genetic abnormalities associated with plasma cell malignancies and thus help physicians better assess a patient's prognosis and likelihood to respond to a given treatment. Plasma cell proliferative disorders, or PCPD, account for approximately 10 percent of all blood born cancers.

The FISH test is designed to detect genetic abnormalities in plasma cells whereas other conventional methods typically looks within any cell type that is present.

The test should be applied to patients diagnosed with PCPD, particularly multiple myeloma, to determine the presence of genetic abnormalities that could offer insight into prognosis, he states.

Source: Mayo Clinic