Madhav V. Dhodapkar, MBBS

• Multiple Myeloma

We are interested in studying the biology of the human immune system and how it interacts with growing tumors in patients. We are particularly interested in understanding the tumor and host related factors underlying the transformation of preneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy to its malignant counterpart, multiple myeloma (MM). We are also studying the biology of how human dendritic cells regulate immune responses to different types of antigens. Our goal is to learn to harness the properties of the immune system to detect, prevent and treat cancer, with a particular focus on multiple myeloma. Specialized Terms: Myeloma and related plasma cell disorders; Human immune system's interaction with growing tumors in patients; Preneoplastic monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma, tumor and host related factors