RAS mutations in multiple myeloma lead to increased germinal center kinase (GCK) expression, presenting a potential new therapeutic target. Inhibiting GCK (GCKi) has shown to reduce myeloma cell proliferation in both in vitro and in vivo models (Li et al., Blood, 2021). Additionally, unlike IMiDs, GCKi promotes the proteasomal degradation of IKZF1/3 through a pathway … Continued
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell (PC) proliferative disorder characterized by the proliferation in the bone marrow of a plasma cell clone, which synthesizes monoclonal immuno-globulins; in the most aggressive cases, or in the advanced stages of the disease, the plasma cell clone tends to infiltrate other parts of the body. Genomic studies … Continued
The overarching objective of this proposal is to decipher the intricate molecular pathways, underlying myeloma-induced bone disease (MBD), a critical aspect of multiple myeloma pathogenesis. Employing state-of-the-art imaging, genomic and proteomic analyses, the proposal seeks to unravel the complex interplay between myeloma cells and the bone microenvironment. The objective of the proposal is to establish … Continued
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach in multiple myeloma (MM), where two B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting CAR-T products, ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) and idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel), are currently approved in the relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) setting. The outstanding outcomes manifested in overall response rates (ORR) above 70% in heavily … Continued
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is marked by the clonal expansion of abnormal plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow. It is the second most common hematologic malignancy, predominantly affecting the elderly, men, and Non-Hispanic Black individuals. While current treatments often induce remission, MM remains incurable, relapsing and causing chronic organ damage and high healthcare costs. Thus, … Continued
Aging and obesity are the two main risk risk factors for multiple myeloma tumorigenesis, and both are characterized by an increase in bone adiposity, suggesting a crucial role for bone marrow adipocytes in cancer development. Previous research suggests that bone marrow adiposity influences plasma cell transformation, proliferation and resistance to therapy, and reciprocal interactions can … Continued
Mitochondrial energetics and cellular metabolism play a central role in regulating T cell differentiation, fate and function. Heme (iron-protoporphyrin IX) is critical for maintaining mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activity and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Heme is taken up from the extrinsic environment in addition to being synthesized intracellularly. Our objective is to understand how heme … Continued
This research is a part of my doctoral project, aiming to examine the role of vaccinations against specific pathogens in the development and progression of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Multiple Myeloma (MM). The study leverages two unique cohorts: the Icelandic iStopMM study, which has screened over 75,000 individuals for MGUS, and the … Continued
In the current proposal we will use our recently developed mouse models of MM (Larrayoz et al, Nature Medicine 2023) carrying a new set of humanized therapeutic targets (BCMA and GPRC5D in MM cells and CD3 in T cells), with the aim of testing bi-specific antibodies in clinical use that otherwise cannot be tested against … Continued
Despite the significant improvement in multiple myeloma (MM) survival owing to novel treatments, 15-20% of MM patients experience relapse or a refractory disease, thus novel therapeutic options are needed. Natural killer (NK) cells an emerging promising option, especially in patients resistant to T-cell based immunotherapies. However, our recently published data on cell lines show that … Continued
The International Myeloma Society is a professional, scientific, and medical society established to bring together clinical and experimental scientists involved in the study of myeloma. The purpose of this society is to promote research, education, clinical studies (including diagnosis and treatment), workshops, conferences, and symposia on all aspects of multiple myeloma worldwide.
The IMS is a membership organization comprised of basic research scientists, and clinical investigators in the field along with physicians and other healthcare practitioners.
