SU2C Multiple Myeloma Dream Team: Screening and Interception of Precursor Myeloma
Ivan M. Borrello, MD
Director, Cell Therapy and GMP Biologics Core
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Research
Almost all patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM) have had one of two precursor conditions called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) before their disease has caused damage to organs such as bone lesions, fractures, and kidney failure. However, most patients are not diagnosed with these precursor conditions because there is no routine screening for them. The hypothesis of this project is that early detection of MGUS/SMM in a high-risk population, along with a good understanding of the molecular and immune factors that lead to disease progression, will lead to effective strategies that intercept disease progression and improve survival. The Dream Team is conducting a screening study of individuals over the age of 45, who are at high risk for having MGUS or SMM, such as African-Americans and individuals who have a first-degree relative that has been diagnosed with a plasma cell disorder: the PROMISE study. The Dream Team will also identify lifestyle and demographic factors that contribute to disease progression, such as obesity and race.
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