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.
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
For MGUS group only:
For multiple myeloma group only:
For more information about the study, click here.
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about the author
Patricia Flores
Patricia is an International Medical Graduate who joined HealthTree in 2020 as part of the Patient Experience team. She helps patients understand and track their lab & genetic test results as well as relevant information from their health history. She loves ballet, traveling, and reading a good science fiction book as often as possible.
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