Blood-based DNA markers plus imaging to track multiple myeloma
Official title: Integrating liquid biopsy-based epigenetic and imaging modalities to evaluate disease response in multiple myeloma
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11140469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a blood test that reads DNA epigenetic marks together with PET/CT scans to better track disease in adults with multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $654,367 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280637-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) diagnosed with multiple myeloma, particularly those in remission or undergoing treatment monitoring, would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without multiple myeloma or those unable to have blood draws, PET/CT scans, or bone marrow procedures are unlikely to benefit from this work.
What this research studies
If I join, doctors will take blood samples to look for a DNA mark called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in cell-free DNA alongside routine PET/CT scans and bone marrow tests. These samples will be collected at multiple time points during and after treatment so the team can compare the blood marker and imaging with standard bone marrow results. The goal is to find residual myeloma that a single bone marrow test might miss and to see whether the blood marker plus imaging can reduce the need for frequent invasive biopsies. Participation involves blood draws, imaging, and possibly bone marrow aspirations depending on the clinical schedule.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow earlier, more accurate, and less invasive detection of residual myeloma to guide treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work, including by this team, has shown 5hmC in cell-free DNA can complement PET/CT and relate to survival, but combining epigenetic liquid biopsies with imaging for MRD monitoring is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiu, Brian C-H — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chiu, Brian C-H
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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.