Working Towards Prevention

To prevent multiple myeloma, scientists are investigating what causes (https://www.myeloma.org/newly-diagnosed/do-you-have-myeloma) the disease. Recent evidence has linked myeloma with exposure to toxic chemicals. Several viruses have been identified as potential triggers. We also now know there is a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of myeloma or related diseases among first-degree family members of patients with MGUS, smoldering multiple myeloma, or active multiple myeloma.

Researchers at IMF-funded studies are exploring the genetic mechanisms that might be at play:

• A large-scale project in Germany (http://www.bloodadvances.org/content/bloodoa/1/10/619.full.pdf) is poised to reveal the details about what is causing myeloma within families. 
• In Iceland (https://www.myeloma.org/videos/istopmm-project-year-two), the iStopMM investigative team is working to pinpoint the earliest possible evidence of the precursor to myeloma, with nearly 80,000 people sharing their medical histories, exposures, and DNA sequence information.