The permissive immune microenvironment is a critical regulator of disease progression from SMM to overt MM, and defining these alterations is critical for the development of translational prognostic and mechanistic models of disease progression

Novel genomic approaches may enable better prediction of progression risk to multiple myeloma (MM) from the more indolent precursor stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). In support of this, the Ghobrial and Getz laboratories have previously collected, analyzed, and published biomarkers from the tumor cell fraction of SMM … Continued

How to Engage T Cell in Myeloma

The project aims to analyze tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in multiple myeloma patients treated with bispecific T-cell engager (bsAb) therapy, utilizing single-cell analyses to understand T-cell diversity, phenotype dynamics, and specificity. By correlating sequencing data with functional validation of anti-tumor reactivity, the study seeks to predict response to bsAb therapy. This integrated approach, combining clinical expertise … Continued

LIQUID BIOPSY IN MYELOMA TO INFORM OUTCOME AND TREATMENT DECISIONS

The proposal aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) by introducing liquid biopsy techniques as alternatives to invasive bone marrow biopsies. Despite recent therapeutic advances, MM remains incurable, necessitating frequent biopsies for optimal treatment. However, standard bone marrow biopsies have limitations, such as representing only a single site and missing dynamic … Continued

Democratizing multiple myeloma CAR T cell therapy by in situ programming of virus-specific T cells”

The objective of this proposal is to develop antigen-presenting nanoparticles (APNs) to program virus-specific T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Currently, CAR T cell therapy for MM is hindered by complex and costly manufacturing processes. By leveraging APNs to program circulating T … Continued

Dissecting the functional role of APOBEC3B in multiple myeloma

AIM 1 aims to identify APOBEC3B (A3B) targets and pathways affected in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Using knockdown and overexpression techniques, researchers will assess the functional impact of A3B on MM cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage. RNA-Seq and proteomics will provide mechanistic insights into A3B’s role in MM, potentially identifying affected pathways. AIM … Continued

Early Detection and Intervention in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma: Population-Based Screening and Treatment (Edit-SMM)

The Edit-SMM project aims to revolutionize the management of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). Building on the iStopMM study, it seeks to improve early detection and treatment to potentially prevent the progression to full-blown multiple myeloma (MM), enhancing patient outcomes. The Edit-SMM analyzes epidemiological data, assesses the efficacy and safety of early treatments, and employs novel … Continued

Amyloid Targeting CAR Macrophage Therapy Against AL Amyloidosis

Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is an incurable rare monoclonal plasma cell dyscrasia closely related to multiple myeloma. The clonal plasma cells produce excessive misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains, forming extracellular insoluble fibrils, destroying tissue architecture, causing functional organ damage, and eventually leading to death. Current chemotherapies only target clonal plasma cells to suppress the … Continued

Immunotherapy for Multiple Myeloma: A New Generation of Chimeric Antigen Receptors and Immune Checkpoint Blockade

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) have proven outstanding efficacy and are a promising option for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), but no plateau is observed in progression-free survival (PFS) curves and relapses happen. One of the mechanisms of relapse is impaired T-cell persistence/potency due to T-cell exhaustion. Checkpoint inhibitory … Continued

Improving immune surveillance in high-risk Multiple Myeloma patients

Dr. Francesca Cottini is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology at the Ohio State University and IMS member since 2020. She is a physician scientist with clinical and research expertise in Multiple Myeloma (MM). She mastered translational and basic research as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School in the laboratory of Dr. … Continued

Dissecting and appraising novel mitochondrial vulnerabilities against multiple myeloma

The study investigates mitochondria as crucial signaling hubs in cancer cells, particularly in multiple myeloma (MM), which may rely heavily on mitochondrial functions due to heightened stress experiences. The research focuses on the mitochondrial matrix protease ClpP, found to be essential for myeloma cell survival. Initial findings revealed ClpP’s role in regulating housekeeping autophagy and … Continued

Why Become a Member

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.

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