Multiple myeloma patients can develop a serious condition called AL Amyloidosis and early screening could help detect this condition, sparing patients end-organ damage. A clinical trial is in place to see if certain genes are involved in the development of AL Amyloidosis in patients with MGUS and Smoldering Myeloma and, if so, early asses and prevent a patient’s risk of progression.
Between 10-20% of myeloma patients could also have AL Amyloidosis. AL Amyloidosis is a complication of plasma cell diseases that causes fragments of proteins coming from the free light chain immunoglobulins to circulate in the blood and end up attaching in body tissues (kidney, liver, heart, GI tract, peripheral nerves, etc.), provoking organ damage. Some of the end-organ damage can be reversed if caught early, however AL Amyloidosis is not easy to diagnose and many patients see multiple doctors before an accurate diagnosis is provided. AL amyloidosis is found more frequently in lambda-type patients.
A 2-year observational study is open at several centers across the United States. The study does not include a treatment, but it intends to prove a hypothesis by analyzing data. The goal is to determine the risk of AL in patients with lambda type monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma, and if it is useful to perform early screening to assess the risk of developing AL amyloidosis for patients with precursor conditions.
Investigators will analyze plasma cells within the bone marrow and perform next-generation sequencing tests (NGS) in multiple study centers. Researchers will determine whether the region gene of the Immunoglobulin (Ig) can be a useful instrument for early assess a patient's risk of progression.
Patients who can join the study include:
The study is open at diverse locations within the United States:
For more information about the inclusion/exclusion criteria, click here.
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about the author
Marilú Nájera Flores
Marilú is an International Medical Graduate who recently joined HealthTree in 2022 as part of the Patient Experience team. She helps MGUS and SMM patients understand and track their lab & genetic test results and relevant information from their health history. She is a Disney fan, a travel enthusiast, a passionate novel reader, a cheerful, friendly person, and a good listener who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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