Abstract Studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the contribution of germline variants or somatic genomic drivers to racial disparities in multiple myeloma (MM). To comprehensively investigate somatic drivers in relation to inherited genetics in MM, we combined newly sequenced whole-genome sequencing data with publicly available datasets (total n = 1,286). Overall, we did not identify germline or somatic genomic differences that explain the different risk of developing MM between patients with genetic similarity to African (AFR) or European (EUR) reference populations. A difference in the detectability and timing of APOBEC-associated and germinal center mutational activity was observed. Integrating epidemiological data and mutational signature-based temporal estimates, we challenge the assumption that individuals in the AFR group develop MM at a younger age. Finally, we demonstrate that, with equal access to efficacious therapies, patients in the AFR and EUR groups have equivalent clinical outcomes.
Maclachlan et al. (2026) studied this question.