Researchers Launch Study of Precursor Conditions of Multiple Myeloma
Posted: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are seeking participants for a new study, funded as part of the Stand Up To Cancer Multiple Myeloma Dream Team, to identify people with conditions that are precursors of multiple myeloma and track their health over time. The PROMISE study will help scientists track the molecular changes that occur as precursor conditions of multiple myeloma, notably monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or smoldering multiple myeloma.
The study is open to two groups of individuals between the ages of 45 and 75 who have been identified to be at high risk of multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions: African American individuals, who are three times more likely than white individuals to develop monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and those with a first-degree relative with a plasma cell disorder such as multiple myeloma.
Participants will complete an online health questionnaire, provide blood samples periodically for analysis, and submit updated health information periodically. Participants whose blood samples test positive for a myeloma precursor condition will be assisted in scheduling an appointment with a hematologist/oncologist. They will also be asked to submit health information and blood samples every 3 to 6 months and may be eligible for clinical trials exploring treatments to prevent disease progression. These samples will be analyzed for molecular signs indicating the risk of disease progression.
“Our hope is that by screening and identifying the precursor conditions early, we can understand the molecular signs of progression to myeloma and develop therapies that will replace ‘watch and wait’ and make myeloma a preventable disease,” said Irene Ghobrial, MD, the study's principal investigator, in a Dana-Farber press release.
More information about the PROMISE study may be found at http://www.promisestudy.org.
