Studying Common Genetic Mutations Related to Mucositis in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Receiving High-Dose Melphalan
Studying Common Genetic Mutations Related to Mucositis in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Receiving High-Dose Melphalan
RATIONALE: Studying blood or mouthwash samples in the laboratory from patients receiving
 melphalan for cancer may help doctors learn more about changes that occur in DNA, identify
 biomarkers related to cancer, and help predict how patients will respond to treatment.

 PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying common genetic mutations related to mucositis in
 patients with multiple myeloma receiving high-dose melphalan.
OBJECTIVES:

 -  To determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that encode the
 melphalan transporters are associated with the development and/or severity of mucositis
 in patients with multiple myeloma receiving high-dose melphalan.

 -  To determine whether SNPs in genes that influence melphalan metabolism are associated
 with the development and/or severity of mucositis in these patients.

 OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.

 Blood or mouthwash samples are collected and DNA isolated from these specimens is analyzed
 for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LAT1 or other candidate genes. Public databases
 (i.e., dbSNP and HapMap) are reviewed to select representative SNPs for genotype analysis.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

 -  Diagnosis of multiple myeloma

 -  Receiving treatment with high-dose melphalan for an autologous stem cell
 transplantation at any of these facilities:

 -  Vanderbilt University Medical Center

 -  Nashville Veteran's Administration Medical Center (VAMC)

 -  Seattle VAMC

 -  San Antonio VAMC

 PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

 -  Not pregnant

 PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

 -  See Disease Characteristics

 -  No palifermin