Increased risk for cancer in multiple myeloma patients and their first-degree relatives

Analyzing data of 125 multiple myeloma patients, the authors found a 40-fol d increased tumor incidence among the patients and their first-degree relat ives as compared to the average population. These tumors were the same as t hose usually found among Hungarians. There was no difference as to the pati ent's blood group antigens in the families of myeloma patients with or with out other rumor. IEA-type disease was found to be relatively more frequent in the group of patients who had tumor besides myeloma. In a prospective st udy, authors could not find mutation of suppressor gene p53 in 14 patients and their 16 healthy first-degree relatives. This may indicate that there i s no p53 suppressor gene alteration responsible for the high-risk condition for tumorgenesis in this population.