Early detection and prevention of multiple myeloma progression
Project 3: Early detection and prevention of MM progression
This project uses genetic and blood/bone marrow tests to find which people with MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma are most likely to progress to full multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Multiple myeloma develops from earlier conditions called MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma, and this project focuses on the genetic changes that mark that shift to cancer. Researchers will look for secondary mutations and pathway changes (for example in MYC, MAPK, NFKB, TP53, and RB1-related genes) in patient samples to define what makes plasma cells malignant. They will also study the tumor microenvironment and clonal hematopoiesis to understand how inflammation and surrounding cells influence progression. By combining genomic profiling of blood and bone marrow with clinical follow-up, the team aims to create a patho-genetic definition that could guide earlier monitoring and prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma who can provide blood and/or bone marrow samples and clinical follow-up information.
Not a fit: People with advanced, symptomatic multiple myeloma who already need immediate therapy may not benefit directly from this early-detection and prevention-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at high risk of progressing to multiple myeloma so they can receive closer monitoring or preventive treatments earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked certain mutations (for example in RAS, BRAF, and TP53) to progression risk, but this integrated patho-genetic definition combining multiple pathways and microenvironment factors is newer and still being developed.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Mayo Clinic Arizona — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chesi, Marta — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Chesi, Marta
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.