|  | Leukaemia Research is the UK’s largest funder of myeloma research, with a current investment of almost £6 million. Below are some examples of our research into myeloma.
| Understanding the link between genetic abnormalities and myeloma |
We have invested £1.2 million in the UK’s first myeloma cytogenetics database. The database, which is headed by Dr Fiona Ross in Salisbury, stores genetic and clinical information gathered from patients with myeloma.
Over the next three years Dr Ross and her team will continue the analysis of bone marrow samples from patients taking part in national myeloma clinical trials. They will be looking for genetic abnormalities and trying to understand how these affect the development and outcome of the disease. They hope to determine which genetic abnormalities are associated with a high risk of relapse, so that doctors can tailor treatment to each patient's individual needs.
| Preventing bone destruction in patients with myeloma |
Professor Peter Croucher at the University of Sheffield is studying how myeloma causes bone destruction and how this damage could be prevented or even repaired.
Normally, our bodies are continually replacing bone throughout our life so that our bones are maintained in a healthy state. This is regulated by a balance between bone destruction and bone repair. However, in patients with myeloma this balance is disrupted and bone is destroyed faster than it is repaired, resulting in localised bone damage, brittle bones and fractures.
Professor Croucher and fellow researchers have discovered that the bone destruction caused by myeloma might actually be helping the tumour cells to survive by creating a favourable environment for them to grow in. It is therefore essential to prevent bone damage in patients with myeloma. Professor Croucher's research has played a role in the development of new treatments to prevent and even reverse bone destruction.
With your donation or support we can continue investing in research that will make a real difference to the lives of those affected by blood cancers. |
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"I was diagnosed after a routine cholesterol check but I don't need treatment at the moment; instead we 'watch and wait'. I get a bit anxious before my checks but I am lucky it was picked up early.
There is currently no cure for myeloma but I live life to the full: I play the keyboard and fundraise for Leukaemia Research organising tea dances."
Sylvia Mann (right),
Hemel Hempstead
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