3D lab platform that mimics the bone marrow around multiple myeloma for testing immunotherapies
Microphysiological platform for analyzing multiple myeloma's tumor microenvironment, enabling immunotherapy assessment and drug screening.
A lab-grown 3D system that recreates the bone marrow environment so researchers can test immunotherapies and drugs for people with multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141897 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will build a 3D microphysiological platform that recreates the bone marrow tumor environment, including immune cells, support (stromal) cells, fluid flow, and oxygen gradients. The system is designed to keep myeloma cells and immune cells alive together long enough to see how they interact and respond to treatments. Scientists will use the platform to test CAR‑T cells, bispecific antibodies, and drug combinations under more realistic conditions than standard cell dishes. Findings are intended to reveal mechanisms of treatment resistance and guide better therapy choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with multiple myeloma—especially those with relapsed or treatment‑resistant disease—would be the most relevant candidates to donate bone marrow or tumor samples for this work.
Not a fit: Patients without multiple myeloma or those who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help explain why some immunotherapies stop working and speed development of treatments that keep myeloma under control longer.
How similar studies have performed: Immunotherapies like CAR‑T and bispecific antibodies have shown strong response rates in myeloma patients, but lab platforms that fully reproduce the bone marrow microenvironment are relatively new and still being refined.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konry, Tania Tali — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Konry, Tania Tali
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.