New targeted treatment for relapsed multiple myeloma
Novel Targeted Therapy for Refractory Multiple Myeloma
A new drug called KS100 aims to block ALDH enzymes to kill treatment-resistant myeloma cells in people whose disease has returned.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324662 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the cells that can make myeloma come back by using a drug called KS100 that targets ALDH enzymes linked to those resistant cells. Researchers will identify which ALDH types let myeloma stem-like cells survive and test whether KS100 can kill those cells in the lab and when combined with the chemotherapy bortezomib. The work is primarily laboratory-based but is tied to human myeloma biology and hopes to inform future treatments that lower relapse risk. If the lab results are promising, the approach could move toward clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with relapsed or treatment-refractory multiple myeloma, particularly those whose tumor cells show high ALDH activity, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with newly diagnosed myeloma in first remission or whose tumors lack ALDH overexpression are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce relapse and make resistant multiple myeloma easier to treat.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting ALDH and cancer stem-like cells is a promising strategy supported by preclinical studies but has limited proven success in clinical myeloma trials so far.
Where this research is happening
Glassboro, United States
- Rowan University — Glassboro, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pandey, Manoj Kumar — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Pandey, Manoj Kumar
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 below.