Haemostatic function and cell signalling in multiple myeloma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of haemostatic function and cell signalling in multiple myeloma and its treatment
IRAS ID
163700
Contact name
Jonathan Gibbins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a rare incurable bone marrow cancer characterised by a malignant proliferation of antibody-producing blood cells. MM is always preceded by a premalignant and benign Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). It is estimated that up to 8% of the UK population over the age of 70 years have MGUS. MM accounts for approximately 2% of all malignant diseases and an estimated 5500 patients diagnosed in the UK annually (2013 CRUK). The incidence of thrombosis in myeloma is higher than that in the normal population and this is particularly elevated in patients undergoing treatment using drugs that modulate immune function. The reasons for this are unknown.
In this study we will characterise blood clotting properties of blood from MM participants, and those receiving therapy and compare results with healthy individuals. We will examine changes in blood clotting parameters through analysis of platelets, blood cells that trigger clotting, and clotting factors, proteins in the blood that enable clots to form.
These studies that will involve no additional interventions beyond existing therapy will enable us to understand the basis of the observation that patients with MM are at a higher risk of thrombosis in comparison to that of the normal population. An additional goal is to define undesirable features of current drugs used to treat MM to facilitate improvement in therapeutic strategies and drug development.
This project will be led from the University of Reading where the Chief Investigator is located. The study will involve the contribution of blood samples from 120 participants that will be recruited by the Principal Investigators at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and the Churchill hospital in Oxford. Scientific analyses will be performed by 2 research fellows, one located at the University of Reading, and the other at the Oxford Haemophilia Centre.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0090
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion