Clinical Trial: Assessing Glutamine Metabolism in MGUS and Myeloma

In the journey to find a cure for multiple myeloma, it is vital to understand what happens during the progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma. What exactly happens in this process? While there are abnormalities that have been identified in plasma cells that likely play a role in the progression of MGUS and SMM to active multiple myeloma, little is known about the sequence of events and the reason why some patients progress while others don’t. Understanding this mechanism can help identify early diagnostic and treatment opportunities and get us one step closer to finding a cure. 

This clinical trial at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN aims to find out whether glutamine metabolism in plasma cells is necessary for their survival and assess whether this affects the progression of MGUS to active myeloma. 

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body. It's made in the muscles and transferred by the blood into different organ systems. It is a bulding block for making proteins in the body and is needed to make other amino acids and glucose. 

Two Study Groups

The study will be split into an MGUS group and a multiple myeloma group. Both groups will receive an intravenous infusion of 13-Carbon labeled glutamine followed by a bone marrow aspiration. They will then use the biopsy to compare both groups' chemical reactions occurring in the plasma cells. T

Who can Join This Study?

• IMWG criteria for the diagnosis of either MGUS or MM
• Labs needed:
  • An M-spike of >1 g/dL and/or involved serum free light chain >10 mg/dL

For MGUS group only:

• At least 5 to <10% plasma cells in the prior bone marrow aspirate
• Not received any plasma cell-directed therapy

For multiple myeloma group only: 

• At least >10% plasma cells in recent bone marrow aspirate
• Newly diagnosed MM without receiving any plasma cell-directed therapy OR Relapsed MM without having received salvage chemotherapy

For more information about the study, click here.

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