POLYMORPHISMS OF THE BLyS GENE AND USE IN DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

A method of detecting a polymorphism associated with hematological malignancy in an individual comprising:

• analyzing a polynucleotide sample from said individual for the presence of a polymorphism in a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) gene, wherein said polymorphism is one or more of the polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of rs12583006, rs122414, and rs1248930, wherein said polymorphism is associated with a condition associated with BLyS activity.

A method of genetically diagnosing a condition associated with BLyS activity in an individual comprising:

• analyzing a polynucleotide sample from said individual for the presence of a polymorphism in a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) gene, wherein said polymorphism is one or more of the polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of rs12583006, rs122414, and rs1248930, wherein said polymorphism or group of polymorphisms are associated with a hematological malignancy.

A method of treating an individual clinically diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, comprising:

• a) analyzing a polynucleotide sample from an individual clinically diagnosed with hematological malignancy for the presence or absence of a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) gene polymorphism, wherein said polymorphism is one or more of the polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of rs12583006, rs122414, and rs1248930, wherein said polymorphism or group of polymorphisms are associated with a hematological malignancy;
• and b) selecting a treatment plan that is most effective for individuals clinically diagnosed as having a condition associated with BLyS activity.

A method for predicting a patient's likelihood to respond to a drug treatment for a hematological malignancy, comprising determining a patient's genotype in a BLyS gene, wherein the presence of a BLyS allele associated with a condition associated with BLyS activity is predictive of the patient's likelihood to respond to a drug treatment for the condition.

A composition comprising an isolated polynucleotide comprising a polymorphism in a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) gene wherein said polymorphism is one or more of the polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of rs12583006, rs122414, and rs1248930, wherein said polymorphism or group of polymorphisms are associated with a hematological malignancy.

An array of nucleic acid probes immobilized on a solid support surface, wherein said array comprises a nucleotide probe comprising a polymorphism in a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) gene, wherein said polymorphism is one or more of the polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of rs12583006, rs122414, and rs1248930, wherein said polymorphism or group of polymorphisms are associated with a hematological malignancy.