Stopping gut microbes that may trigger early multiple myeloma
Targeting microbial triggers of gammopathy for immunoprevention
This project tests whether reducing certain gut bacteria can help people with MGUS avoid progression to multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11335189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use blood and stool samples from people with MGUS and new 'humanized' mouse models that carry human immune cells to find gut microbes that activate the same antibody-producing B cells linked to myeloma. The team has already identified one commensal bacterium that binds to myeloma-related B-cell receptors and will expand the search to other microbes. They will also analyze samples from MGUS patients who received a short course of antibiotics to see whether reducing specific bacteria changes B-cell activation. The work aims to map microbial triggers that could be targeted to prevent malignant progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with MGUS who can provide blood and stool samples or who are willing to consider short-term antibiotic interventions would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without MGUS or those who already have established multiple myeloma are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-prevention research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to ways to prevent MGUS from progressing to multiple myeloma by targeting harmful gut bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively new and causal links between specific microbes and human blood cancers are rare, though the team has supportive preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhodapkar, Madhav V — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Dhodapkar, Madhav V
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.