Bionano Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ: BNGO) announced the publication of a study in the American Journal of Hematology showing its optical genome mapping technology outperformed traditional methods in analyzing multiple myeloma samples.

The multicenter study, conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, analyzed 211 multiple myeloma samples using optical genome mapping alongside traditional methods including karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and next-generation sequencing.

The study found optical genome mapping identified relevant chromosomal abnormalities in 92% of cases previously deemed normal by karyotyping. The technology also successfully resolved 82% of multiple myeloma samples that had previously failed karyotype analysis entirely.

Optical genome mapping detected additional pathogenic structural abnormalities not identified by karyotyping or FISH in approximately 30% of subjects. The technology also uncovered complex genomic events in approximately 29% of samples that were missed by traditional methods.

The study represents the largest published multiple myeloma cohort analyzed with optical genome mapping to date. Traditional methods in the comparison included karyotyping on 155 samples, FISH on 209 samples, and next-generation sequencing.

"Multiple myeloma was one of the first hematologic malignancy subtypes we worked on with OGM because of how challenging it is for the cytogenetics methods in use today to tackle," said Erik Holmlin, president and chief executive officer of Bionano.

The researchers noted that optical genome mapping's increased success rate makes it valuable for genomic profiling recommendations by the World Health Organization, International Consensus Classification and International Myeloma Working Group.

Multiple myeloma is a complex hematologic malignancy known for its low success rate when analyzed by traditional cytogenetic methods, according to the press release.