Mapping the early stages of multiple myeloma in diverse populations
Official title: Myeloma multidimensional precancer atlas
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10994712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, develops from early stages in a diverse group of people, especially focusing on African Americans, to help find better ways to catch and treat the disease early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,128,990 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA294507-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with precursors to multiple myeloma, such as MGUS or smoldering myeloma, especially those from racially diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a comprehensive atlas of the early stages of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that often begins with precursors like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). By studying a large collection of samples from racially diverse cohorts, particularly focusing on African American populations, the research seeks to identify the biological changes that occur as the disease progresses from precancerous stages to full-blown multiple myeloma. The approach involves analyzing genomic and environmental factors that contribute to this transformation, which could lead to better monitoring and early intervention strategies for patients. This work is crucial for understanding the disparities in disease prevalence and outcomes among different racial groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment strategies for multiple myeloma, particularly in African American patients who are disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying early biomarkers for other cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for multiple myeloma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghobrial, Irene M. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Ghobrial, Irene M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.