Molecular clues to predict myeloma risk in Black adults
Official title: Molecular prediction of myeloma in African Americans
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11401388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking for genomic signs that could predict who among Black adults ages 50+ will develop multiple myeloma, aiming to catch 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 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $872,957 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA271492-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Black adults over 50 with MGUS or at-risk profiles, including those in related cohorts or biobanks linked to myeloma research.
✕Less likely to help
People without MGUS or identifiable high-risk genomic signatures may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on identifying biological markers in people at high risk for multiple myeloma, especially Black adults. By using existing cohorts and biobanks, the team plans to link genomic patterns with MGUS and other early signs to forecast who might progress to myeloma. The goal is to move beyond race or family history and toward personalized risk signals that could guide early prevention and intervention. The study builds on large datasets and aims to translate findings into actionable strategies for interception.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection and targeted prevention for high-risk individuals, potentially delaying or preventing myeloma.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest some genomic risk signals exist, but translating them into interception strategies is still under development.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marinac, Catherine — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Marinac, Catherine
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.