Work

From Spatial Heterogeneity to Real-Time Monitoring: Liquid Biopsy for Genomic Profiling and MRD Assessment in Multiple Myeloma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells that is characterized by a complex and spatially heterogeneous genomic landscape. Despite this complexity, clinical monitoring remains largely dependent on localized bone marrow (BM) assessments. This dependence creates a significant diagnostic gap, as the primary monitoring tools fail to account for the spatial and temporal heterogeneity that drives tumor relapse. Liquid biopsy can serve as an adjunctive approach in assessing the pan-clonal landscape in MM through the molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In this review, we examine the clinical utility of liquid biopsy components in capturing mutational profiles, clonal evolution, treatment resistance mechanisms, and minimal residual disease (MRD), including early detection of relapse and extramedullary progression. We will further discuss current limitations, including variability in assay sensitivity, lack of standardization, and the need for prospective validation.

Source: Cancers

DOI: 10.3390/cancers18091439

Authors: Fizza Rasheed, Yafeng Ma, Therese M. Becker, Tara L. Roberts, Silvia Ling

Institutions: Ingham Institute, Western Sydney University, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool Hospital, NSW Health Pathology

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Myeloma Research and Treatments

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499