Understanding the genetics of multiple myeloma
Integrative Oncogenomics of Multiple Myeloma
This program uses genetic and molecular testing of tumors and blood from people with multiple myeloma to find markers that could guide better treatment.
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-11179307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, this program combines tumor and blood sample sequencing, molecular testing, and clinical information to learn how multiple myeloma evolves and which changes predict response to therapy. It uses clinically annotated samples from past IFM/DFCI studies and a new randomized trial about high‑dose therapy when patients reach MRD (minimal residual disease) negativity. Researchers will sequence DNA and RNA, study epigenetic changes, and build risk models and targeted lists of mutations. The team has also developed a targeted sequencing platform and a public data portal to share results with other scientists.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are treated at or can travel to participating DFCI/IFM sites, especially those being considered for high‑dose therapy/transplant or willing to provide tumor and blood samples and MRD testing.
Not a fit: People without multiple myeloma, those unwilling to provide samples or clinical data, or patients not eligible for the trial will not directly benefit from participating in this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors personalize myeloma care — for example, deciding whether someone needs high‑dose transplant and which targeted drugs might work best.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that MRD status and genomic profiling predict outcomes in myeloma and that genomic approaches can find treatment targets, but combining these data with a randomized trial of transplant based on MRD is a newer step.
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.