Checking for AL amyloidosis in people with smoldering myeloma
Screening for AL Amyloidosis in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
This project will use blood markers and clinical data to find hidden AL amyloidosis early in people with smoldering multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be screened using blood tests, review of medical records, and when needed biopsy or other clinical tests to look for early signs of AL amyloidosis. The team plans to enroll about 340 people with smoldering multiple myeloma across a clinical network and combine lab markers and clinical features into a likelihood algorithm for undiagnosed AL and future risk. This work builds on earlier studies showing a 10–15 year precursor period and that a small percent of smoldering myeloma patients go on to develop AL, often with heart or kidney involvement. The aim is a practical tool doctors can use to spot AL earlier so treatment can begin before organ failure occurs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma, especially those with abnormal free light chain results, are the ideal candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without smoldering myeloma or those already known to have systemic AL amyloidosis are unlikely to benefit from joining this screening effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors diagnose AL amyloidosis much earlier and reduce the risk of rapid heart or kidney failure and early death.
How similar studies have performed: Prior retrospective studies have shown a long precursor period and that some smoldering myeloma patients later develop AL, but systematic screening and an algorithmic risk tool like this is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Comenzo, Raymond Luke — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Comenzo, Raymond Luke
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.