NCI awards SPORE grant to multiple myeloma research team from Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

A team of Mayo Clinic Cancer Center scientists has been awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in multiple myeloma from the National Cancer Institute. The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is one of only three cancer centers to receive 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," says Leif Bergsagel, M.D., lead investigator. "Starting from the pioneering work of Robert Kyle, M.D., over the last half-century, the myeloma group at Mayo Clinic is one of the strongest in the world."

Renowned journalist and Mayo Clinic Trustee Tom Brokaw will serve as a patient advocate to the SPORE to represent the interests of patients with multiple myeloma and increase awareness of, and support for, myeloma research.

Multiple myeloma, a disease of bone marrow antibody secreting cells, is a devastating cancer that affects more than 20,000 new patients every year in the United States. While recent improvements in treatment have resulted in a more favorable outlook for patients, five-year survival rates remain low.

Provided by Mayo Clinic