Mayo Clinic Given SPORE Grant for Multiple Myeloma Research

Research will lead to novel viral and immunologic treatments.

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center scientists were recently awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in multiple myeloma from the National Cancer Institute. The clinic is one of three that has been given a SPORE grant for multiple myeloma cancer research.

“With project leaders from Mayo campuses in Arizona, Rochester and Florida, our SPORE team will study the genetic basis for myeloma, develop novel viral and immunologic therapies, and optimize the use of existing therapies with a goal of controlling and eventually curing this deadly disease,” said lead investigator Leif Bergsagel, MD. “Starting from the pioneering work of Robert Kyle, MD, over the last half-century, the myeloma group at Mayo Clinic is one of the strongest in the world.”

Famed journalist Tom Brokaw, a Mayo Clinic Trustee, will serve as a patient advocate to ensure the interests of patients with multiple myeloma are being considered and to increase awareness of, and support for, myeloma research.

Multiple myeloma is a serious condition that affects the bone marrow. It is a devastating cancer that affects up to 20,000 new patients per year in the United States. Treatments have improved in recent years; however, the low 5-year survival rate remains despite advancements.