Why MGUS affects racial and ethnic groups differently
Determinants of the racial/ethnic disparity in MGUS risk: An epidemiologic study in 4 cohorts
Researchers are looking at blood samples and health information from diverse adults to find biological, infection-related, and lifestyle reasons why MGUS is more common in some racial and ethnic groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are screening people from four large U.S. cohort studies to identify and confirm MGUS cases and matched controls by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. For each person with MGUS and their matched control we will measure blood markers related to plasma cell growth, angiogenesis, microbial translocation, immune activation from past infections, and lifestyle factors. The project will include about 844 Black and 844 White participants with MGUS and smaller numbers of Latino and Asian participants, each matched to a control from the same cohorts. By comparing these markers across groups, we hope to understand biological and lifestyle contributors to the higher MGUS rates seen in some populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults enrolled in the Black Women's Health Study, Women's Health Initiative, Multiethnic Cohort, or Southern Community Cohort Study who can provide blood samples and health history, especially Black, White, Latino, or Asian participants.
Not a fit: People outside these cohorts, children, or anyone seeking immediate treatment for MGUS or multiple myeloma should not expect direct clinical benefit from participation in this observational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could point to causes of the higher MGUS and multiple myeloma risk in certain racial and ethnic groups and suggest targets for earlier detection or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort and biomarker studies have documented racial differences in MGUS and multiple myeloma risk, but combining four multiethnic cohorts to measure immune, microbial, and lifestyle markers is a more comprehensive and relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cozen, Wendy — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Cozen, Wendy
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.