Identifying genetic markers to distinguish between benign and malignant myeloma precursor conditions
Official title: Myeloma Defining Genomic Events to Differentiate Benign and Malignant Myeloma Precursor Conditions
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11050304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genetic changes that can help tell if someone with a benign condition related to multiple myeloma might develop the disease, so we can find out who is at higher risk and help them sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $674,440 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA289752-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with benign monoclonal gammopathy or smoldering myeloma who are at risk of progression to multiple myeloma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma or those without any precursor conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic events that differentiate benign conditions from malignant multiple myeloma precursor stages. By utilizing advanced whole genome sequencing, the study aims to identify critical genomic markers that indicate whether a patient’s condition is stable or likely to progress to multiple myeloma. The goal is to enable early identification of high-risk patients, allowing for timely intervention and prevention strategies. This approach could significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing a major unmet clinical need in the management of myeloma precursor conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention strategies for patients at risk of developing multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using whole genome sequencing to identify genomic events in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective in the context of myeloma precursor conditions as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maura, Francesco — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maura, Francesco
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrative study of multiple myeloma genetics and disease biology
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A research team will build and compare computer models to understand how multiple myeloma develops, can be detected earlier, and treated more effectively.
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A new grant is studying how cholesterol from LDL particles fuels multiple myeloma and how this interaction influences the tumor environment and immune response, with goals to help patients stay in remission.
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A study in people with multiple myeloma will explore how treatment-related senescence in cancer cells may stimulate the immune system and affect cancer return after standard frontline therapy.
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BCMA CAR-T enteritis: understanding immune toxicities in multiple myeloma
A broad study to uncover why some CAR-T cell treatments targeting BCMA cause severe intestinal inflammation in people with multiple myeloma.
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Understanding Drug-Resistant Multiple Myeloma to Stop Relapse
Researchers are studying why some myeloma cells resist treatment and how to create new therapies to prevent relapse.
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.