Blood test to monitor multiple myeloma and guide treatment

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to replace many bone marrow biopsies with a simple blood draw that looks for circulating myeloma cells and cell-free DNA. Researchers will collect blood samples over the course of treatment to watch how the myeloma changes and to capture disease from multiple marrow sites. The team will compare these liquid biopsy results to standard bone marrow biopsies and clinical outcomes to see if blood testing gives earlier or more complete information. The approach is intended to let doctors tailor therapy based on evolving disease signals found in the blood.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Lohr, Jens G — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Lohr, Jens G

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Using blood tests to monitor and improve treatment for multiple myeloma

  This study is looking at a new, easier way to keep track of multiple myeloma by using blood tests instead of the more painful bone marrow biopsies, so patients can get important updates about their cancer without the stress of invasive procedures.

  NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11243248

• Multi-analyte blood and fluid tests to find breast, pancreatic cancer, and multiple myeloma earlier

  Researchers are creating combined blood and body-fluid tests to help find breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and multiple myeloma earlier for people having screening or diagnostic workups.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11180228

• Blood-based DNA markers plus imaging to track multiple myeloma

  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.

  NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11140469

• Developing a blood test for early detection of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and multiple myeloma

  This study is working on a new blood test that can help find early signs of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and multiple myeloma, so patients can get diagnosed sooner and have better treatment options.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-10930880

• Using blood tests and imaging to track treatment response in multiple myeloma

  This study is looking at how blood tests and imaging scans can work together to help doctors better understand how well treatments are working for people with multiple myeloma, making it easier and less invasive than traditional methods.

  NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-10893547

• Integrative study of multiple myeloma genetics and disease biology

  A team at Dana-Farber and partners is pursuing a long-term project to understand the genetic and molecular drivers of multiple myeloma and how treatments interact with disease biology.

  NIH research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · Boston, United States · NIH-11535381

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.