npj Genomic Medicine (Mar 2021)

Non-secretory multiple myeloma with unusual TFG-ALK fusion showed dramatic response to ALK inhibition

  • Ashiq Masood,
  • Trevor Christ,
  • Samia Asif,
  • Priya Rajakumar,
  • Beth A. Gustafson,
  • Leyla O. Shune,
  • Ameen Salahudeen,
  • Drew Nedvad,
  • Suparna Nanua,
  • Agne Paner,
  • Timothy M. Kuzel,
  • Mia Levy,
  • Janakiraman Subramanian,
  • Shahzad Raza

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41525-021-00186-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Non-secretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) constitutes a distinct entity of multiple myeloma characterized by the absence of detectable monoclonal protein and rarely an absence of free light chains in the serum and urine. Given its rarity, the genomic landscape, clinical course, and prognosis of NSSM are not well characterized. Here, we report a case of a patient with relapsed and refractory NSMM with brain metastasis harboring a TFG-ALK fusion showing a dramatic and durable (over two years) response to commercially available anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors. The case emphasizes the beneficial role of molecular profiling in this target-poor disease.