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Multiple myeloma is a malignancy consisting of a neoplastic clone of plasma cells, the terminally-differentiated B lymphocytes responsible for antibody production. In spite of recent therapeutic advances such as Bortezomib or Thalidomide resulting in some improved survival, especially for younger patients1, the overall five-year survival rate remains under 40% for men and women over all ages. MM has a poor survival rate and remains the second leading cause of death due to a hematologic malignancy. Causes are unknown but African Americans experience over two times the risk of Whites and there is strong evidence to suggest a genetic contribution to risk. The goal of this project is to identify genetic determinants of MM, which will lead to a better informed and more targeted approach to disease prevention and treatment.