ABSTRACT
The search for prognostic factors in multiple myeloma has identified the genetic profile of the tumor as the main determinant of patient survival and response to treatment. There is an association between a dismal prognosis and the presence of t(4:14) translocations or 17p deletion, determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or the detection of chromosome 13 deletion using conventional cytogenetic techniques. These alterations define a subpopulation that comprises 25% of patients with a bad prognosis even if they are treated with high dose chemotherapy. These patients should be early derived to more specific therapies. In the other hand, the other 75% of patients without a genetic risk factor, have a higher probability of success with conventional treatment.