Predicting myeloma risk in Black/African American people using molecular markers
Molecular prediction of myeloma in African Americans
This project looks for molecular signs in blood and tissue that could predict which Black/African American adults may later develop multiple myeloma.
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 ID | NIH-11162392 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a blood test and your blood or stored tissue samples could be analyzed for early signs like MGUS that sometimes lead to multiple myeloma. Your results would be compared with thousands of others from large U.S. efforts such as PROMISE, the Mass General Brigham biobank, and PLCO to find genetic and molecular patterns tied to progression. The team plans to move beyond using race or family history alone and instead define biological signatures that better predict who will progress from MGUS or smoldering myeloma to full myeloma. If clear signatures are found, they could be used to guide closer monitoring or early treatments for people at highest risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black/African American adults—especially those over age 50, those with a family history of myeloma, or people already found to have MGUS or smoldering myeloma.
Not a fit: People without MGUS, without the relevant molecular risk signatures, or those not represented in the study cohorts may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify people at higher risk earlier so they can receive closer monitoring or preventive interventions before myeloma develops.
How similar studies have performed: Large screening cohorts like PROMISE and analyses of biobank samples have shown higher MGUS prevalence in Black populations and begun to link molecular patterns to risk, but translating these into clinical prediction is still a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marinac, Catherine — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Marinac, Catherine
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.