Bioinformatics Core for Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
Official title: Bioinformatics Core
Funded at Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) · NIH-11396420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at Children’s Mercy Hospital will use advanced genetic analysis to study MGUS, multiple myeloma, and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia by examining tumor cells and bone marrow samples over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,248 |
| NIH project number | 7U54CA272691-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with MGUS, multiple myeloma, or Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who have provided tissue samples or are enrolled in observational trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not participating in serial sampling or whose samples do not yield actionable data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This core provides in-depth genomic analysis of tissue samples from patients across plasma cell disorders, including long-term, serial samples. It will work with data from observational trials and CAP-MGUS Center projects to understand how premalignant changes arise and how the bone marrow environment and immune system influence progression. Researchers will analyze purified tumor cells and whole bone marrow biopsies to uncover genetic and microenvironment clues that could delay or prevent malignant transformation. The work supports translational efforts aimed at intercepting MGUS progression toward multiple myeloma or WM. The core is housed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Myeloma Center and will serve as a shared resource for related cancer prevention projects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the core could identify genetic and microenvironment markers that help predict progression and guide early interventions to delay or prevent invasive plasma cell cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that MGUS and MM share genetic features, supporting the idea that early, targeted analyses can inform prevention strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaughnessy, John Damian — Children's Mercy Hosp (Kansas City, Mo)
- Study coordinator: Shaughnessy, John Damian
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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.