Investigating how SLAMF7 affects racial disparities in multiple myeloma
Official title: Role of SLAMF7 in Racial Disparities in Myeloma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10827997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how African American and White patients with multiple myeloma respond differently to a treatment called elotuzumab, focusing on a protein called SLAMF7, to help find better ways to treat everyone with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $178,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, especially those with the t(11;14) genetic marker, and who identify as African American or White.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with multiple myeloma who do not have the t(11;14) genetic marker or those who do not fall into the racial categories being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the differences in outcomes for African American patients with multiple myeloma compared to White patients, particularly focusing on the role of the SLAMF7 protein. The study will explore how SLAMF7 expression varies between these groups and how this impacts the effectiveness of a specific treatment, elotuzumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. By analyzing patient samples and treatment responses, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these disparities and improve treatment strategies for all patients with multiple myeloma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for multiple myeloma, particularly for African American patients who currently face worse outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting SLAMF7 with monoclonal antibodies can be effective, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results in addressing racial disparities in multiple myeloma treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Yubin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kang, Yubin
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 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.
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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.