Stopping harmful DNA changes in multiple myeloma
Project 4: Targeting genomic instability and evolution in myeloma
This project tests whether fixing or targeting the DNA-repair problems that drive mutations can help people with multiple myeloma avoid relapses and live longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179325 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, the team uses deep whole-genome sequencing on myeloma samples to count and characterize DNA changes in patients' tumors. They compare newly diagnosed and relapsed cases to see how treatment and time change the number and type of mutations. The researchers have found signs that failures in homologous recombination and other repair pathways drive many late mutations and that some treatments lead to more mutations at relapse. They are also looking at a set of kinase genes that seem to affect DNA repair, with the goal of finding ways to limit genomic instability and treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with newly diagnosed or relapsed multiple myeloma who can provide tumor/blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without multiple myeloma or those whose disease is driven by non-DNA-repair mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies or treatment strategies that reduce mutation-driven relapse and improve outcomes for people with myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have mapped mutational signatures in myeloma and linked mutation burden to outcomes, but directly targeting DNA-repair dysfunction in patients is still an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munshi, Nikhil C. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Munshi, Nikhil C.
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.