Our team publishes myeloma research to share findings and improve treatment for everyone who has myeloma-related conditions.
We are pleased to share these recent publications with our PROMISE and PCROWD participants. It is because of your willingness to share your treatment and progress that we can learn and advance the science of blood cancer and related conditions.
VIDEO - 4:09 Minutes
On 214 patients with smoldering myeloma, we have been able to perform both DNA and RNA sequencing. As a result, we have discovered some mutations that can indicate the person may have higher risks for disease progression.
Study Link (Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Key Objectives
To identify patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) who will eventually progress to overt malignancy.
Early identification can allow for early intervention to prevent end-organ damage and potentially achieve long-term remission.
Problem to Solve -- The current risk models are based on solely clinical markers and often lack precision and accuracy to predict progression.
We hypothesized that genomics can improve the prediction of progression from SMM to overt multiple myeloma (MM).
Knowledge Generated
Most changes in the cell's genetics have already happened by the time a person is diagnosed with SMM.
This suggests that next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to make better predictions about the likelihood of progression to more advanced stages.
We also learned more about independent risk factors for progression.
- Alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase
- DNA repair pathways or MYC
By adding these additional risk factors to the to current clinical risk models, we can significantly improve prediction of progression.
Relevance
Advanced genome sequencing when a person has smoldering myeloma (or SMM) can help identify which patients are at higher risk of progression to MM.
Identified patients with higher risks might benefit from early interventions.
These findings can help us develop better outcomes for everyone who is at risk.