Validation of clinical-grade whole genome sequencing reproduces cytogenetic analysis and identifies mutational landscape in newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: A pilot study from the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Multiple myeloma is characterized by chromosomal abnormalities and genetic variation, which may inform prognosis and guide treatment. This pilot study sought to examine the feasibility of incorporating Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) alongside the routine laboratory evaluation of 14 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who had enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project. In all 14 cases, WGS data could be obtained in a timely fashion within existing clinical frameworks in a tertiary hospital setting.

Antibody-peptide-MHC fusion conjugates target non-cognate T cells to kill tumour cells.

Attempts to generate robust anti-tumour cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses using immunotherapy are frequently thwarted by exhaustion and anergy of CTL recruited to tumour. One strategy to overcome this is to retarget a population of virus-specific CTL to kill tumour cells. Here, we describe a proof-of-principle study using a bispecific conjugate designed to retarget ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CTL to kill tumour cells via CD20.

Functional and prognostic role of ZAP-70 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

It has become clear that the heterogeneity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is not a continuous spectrum, but is bipolar. Originally distinguished by the mutational status of the immunoglobulin variable region genes, the two poles are perhaps better identified by the expression of ZAP-70, a signalling molecule normally utilised by T cells rather than B cells, but anomalously expressed in the more aggressive subtype of CLL. Assaying ZAP-70 expression has become progressively simplified so that a directly stained flow cytometric test is currently being evaluated, and a version of this should shortly be available to routine laboratories.