Investigating how sleep apnea affects blood cancer treatment outcomes

Sleep Disordered Breathing as a Targetable Risk Factor in Multiple Myeloma

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11011344

This study is looking at how sleep apnea might affect people with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and whether using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea can help improve their cancer treatment results.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11011344 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of sleep apnea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep, on patients with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The study aims to explore how chronic intermittent hypoxia, caused by sleep apnea, may lead to resistance against chemotherapy by increasing certain immune cells in the bone marrow. Researchers will assess the relationship between the severity of sleep apnea and the presence of these immune cells, as well as evaluate whether treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can improve treatment outcomes for patients. By translating laboratory findings to human patients, the research seeks to establish a clearer understanding of how sleep apnea affects cancer treatment efficacy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with multiple myeloma who also experience symptoms of sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of multiple myeloma or those who do not have sleep apnea may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with multiple myeloma who also suffer from sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing sleep apnea can improve health outcomes in various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions blood cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.