Improving early diagnosis of AL amyloidosis in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma
Official title: Screening for AL Amyloidosis in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11044135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find a better way to spot early signs of AL amyloidosis in people with smoldering multiple myeloma, so we can help them avoid serious health issues like heart and kidney problems.
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 start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $782,391 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279808-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044135 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma who are asymptomatic but may be at risk for developing AL amyloidosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have smoldering multiple myeloma or those already diagnosed with AL amyloidosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the early detection of systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis in individuals diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma, a condition where patients produce abnormal light chains but show few symptoms. The study will utilize a series of screening criteria and algorithms to identify patients at risk for developing AL amyloidosis, which can lead to severe complications like heart and kidney failure. By enrolling 340 patients, the research seeks to establish a network that will facilitate better diagnosis and management of this condition, ultimately aiming to reduce mortality rates associated with late diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of AL amyloidosis, significantly improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that early detection strategies for AL amyloidosis can significantly impact patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Comenzo, Raymond Luke — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Comenzo, Raymond Luke
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Checking for AL amyloidosis in people with smoldering myeloma
This project will use blood markers and clinical data to find hidden AL amyloidosis early in people with smoldering multiple myeloma.
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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.
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Comparative Modeling to Prevent, Detect Early, and Treat Multiple Myeloma
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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How LDL Affects Multiple Myeloma: New Pathways to Keep Remission
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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Therapy-induced senescence and immune activation in multiple myeloma
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.
-
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.
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.