Multiple Myeloma -- Immunophenotyping of Plasma Cells in Multiple Myeloma -- Plasma Cell Labeling Index -- Conventional Cytogenetics in Myeloma -- Multicolor Spectral Karyotyping in Multiple Myeloma -- Detection of Chromosome 13 Deletions by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization -- Comparative Genomic Hybridization for Analysis of Changes in DNA Copy Number in Multiple Myeloma -- Southern Blotting of IgH Rearrangements in B-Cell Disorders -- Identification and Assembly of V Genes as Idiotype-Specific DNA Fusion Vaccines in Multiple Myeloma -- Identification of Clonotypic IgH VDJ Sequences in Multiple Myeloma -- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction of Immunoglobulin Rearrangements for Quantitative Evaluation of Minimal Residual Disease in Myeloma -- Incomplete DJH Rearrangements -- Identification of Malignant Plasma Cells by mRNA In Situ Hybridization -- The SCID-hu Myeloma Model -- The 5T2MM Murine Model of Multiple Myeloma -- Determination of Telomerase Activity and Telomere Length -- Dendritic Cell/Myeloma Hybrid Vaccine -- Genetically Engineered Myeloma Cell Vaccine -- An In Vitro Osteoclast-Forming Assay to Measure Myeloma Cell-Derived Osteoclast-Activating Factors -- Clonality Detection of Expanded T-Cell Populations in Patients With Multiple Myeloma -- Detecting Mismatch Repair Defects in Myeloma -- Methylation-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction -- Making Sense of DNA Microarray Data.

Although there is no therapy that could be considered curative for patients with multiple myeloma, recent research has gained considerable momentum and yielded a real prospect for achieving a significant improvement in response to therapy. In Multiple Myeloma: Methods and Protocols, established researchers with hands-on experience detail a comprehensive set of classic and innovative methodologies used in many laboratories for the investigation of this disease. These readily reproducible techniques range from the standard Plasma Cell Labeling Index methodology, which is used routinely in many laboratories around the world to determine prognosis, to a final chapter on making sense of microarrays, and include the full spectrum of cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic methods. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and highly practical, Multiple Myeloma: Methods and Protocols offers both novice and experienced researchers alike a gold-standard collection of proven techniques for investigating the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and identifying new therapeutic targets.