Multiple Myeloma

Research

Researchers in Mayo Clinic's Hematologic Malignancies Program are working to develop effective treatments for many hematologic cancers. The investigative team in Mayo Clinic's myeloma research laboratory studies every aspect of the biology of multiple myeloma. The Hematologic Malignancies Fund of Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health fund the laboratory's research. Mayo Clinic holds a prestigious program project grant for multiple myeloma research. Current studies include:

• The mechanism whereby monoclonal gammopathy transforms into multiple myeloma
• Angiogenesis and its regulatory action on multiple myeloma
• The genetics of multiple myeloma
• The kinetics of multiple myeloma
• The role of specific surface markers and circulating cells in the biology of multiple myeloma

The laboratory's cell and serum bank contains samples from thousands of multiple myeloma patients. These samples are used for multiple myeloma research and are shared with investigators all over the world interested in moving toward a cure for this disease.

Clinical Trials

At any given time Mayo offers no fewer than 15 clinical trials for the treatment of all phases of multiple myeloma including indolent myeloma, induction therapy, specific transplant-related therapy, and posttransplant maintenance therapy. Trials are also open for patients who have been previously treated and need additional therapy. These clinical trials include a broad spectrum of therapies such as chemotherapy, biologic response modifiers, cytotoxic drugs, angiogenesis inhibitors, and other treatments. These trials have very specific eligibility criteria, and patients require an evaluation to determine if participation will best serve their needs.