IWWM-12: What insights can multi-omics reveal about WM subtypes?

During the 12th International Workshop on Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (IWWM-12), the Lymphoma Hub was pleased to speak with Gareth Morgan, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, US. We asked, What insights can multi-omics reveal about Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) subtypes?

In this interview, Morgan begins by highlighting the value of multi-omics analysis in understanding the disease biology of WM, enabling better diagnosis and the development of more targeted treatment strategies. He then discusses a new study that utilized single-cell multi-omics analysis to deduce disease progression based on mutations, chromatin structure, cellular phenotype, and expression of nuclear gene. The study revealed two distinct subsets of WM, both characterized by expanding memory B cells but differing in their progression patterns. In one subtype, cell differentiation was arrested at the memory B-cell stage, leading to increased proliferation and unique symptoms, while in the other, differentiation progresses toward plasma cells, giving higher IgM levels. This insight could guide treatment strategies by allowing therapies to be aligned with the specific subtype, targeting memory B cells in one and plasma cells in the other, and may enable more personalized and effective therapeutic approaches.

This educational resource was independently supported by BeiGene. All content was developed by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee; funders are allowed no influence on the content of this resource.