Targeting gut microbes to prevent progression to multiple myeloma
Official title: Targeting microbial triggers of gammopathy for immunoprevention
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11541236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing how specific gut bacteria might trigger immune changes linked to early blood cancer stages and whether targeting these microbes could help prevent 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 start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $945,368 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3CA290302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11541236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with MGUS or early-stage monoclonal gammopathies, particularly within diverse populations including African Americans, may be eligible for related future studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without MGUS or related precursors, or those not able to participate in microbiome-related procedures, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how chronic gut microbes and inflammation may drive the transition from MGUS to multiple myeloma. Using humanized models, it will study how certain commensal bacteria interact with B cells involved in MM and MGUS. The team will analyze gut microbes from MGUS patients and test whether short antibiotic treatment can modify harmful microbial signals. The work combines patient-derived samples with advanced models to identify potential prevention strategies that could shift the disease course.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to microbiome-based prevention strategies to reduce the risk of MGUS progressing to multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary human data and animal/model work suggest microbes can influence B-cell–driven blood cancers, but direct clinical prevention approaches are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhodapkar, Madhav V — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Dhodapkar, Madhav V
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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.