Understanding how the bone marrow environment affects the growth of a precancerous condition called MGUS.
Official title: Prevention of MGUS Progression to MM by Modulating the Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10910169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment in our bone marrow affects the growth of MGUS, a condition that can sometimes lead to multiple myeloma, and it aims to find ways to predict and prevent this progression, especially as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $261,630 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA272691-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with MGUS, particularly older adults who are at higher risk for progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have MGUS or those with advanced multiple myeloma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in the growth of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition that can lead to multiple myeloma. By using mouse models and human samples, the researchers aim to identify biomarkers that can help predict the progression of MGUS. The study focuses on how aging and changes in the bone marrow environment influence the behavior of plasma cells associated with MGUS. Ultimately, the goal is to develop new treatment strategies to prevent MGUS from advancing to more serious forms of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhan, Fenghuang — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zhan, Fenghuang
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.