Myeloma Targeted Treatment Team

Team Leader: Dr Faith Davies

Location: Brookes Lawley Building, Sutton

Section: Section of Haemato-Oncology

Multiple myeloma is a malignant disorder of bone marrow plasma cells, which is presently incurable and affects more than 3,000 new individuals each year in the UK. During the last few years much has been learnt regarding the biological and molecular characterization of the myeloma cell and the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in disease pathogenesis. Our studies aim to identify new biological and molecular targets for therapeutic approaches, and to investigate potential new drugs that may show promise for the treatment of myeloma. By using a number of in vitro model systems looking at both the myeloma plasma cell and the bone marrow microenvironment, we aim to identify compounds which show most promise for the clinic and gain vital knowledge regarding their mechanism of action, correct drug scheduling and rationale drug combinations.

Our previous studies have investigated the mode of action and clinical use of thalidomide, IMiDs and proteasome inhibitors. 

Our current studies concentrate on two main areas:

• Targeting genetic abnormalities including the t(4;14) translocation, which dysregulates FGFR3 and MMSET in a subset of patients, and can be modulated by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
• Targeting XBP1 and the unfolded protein response, a pathway we have identified as being central to myeloma plasma cell development.

Importantly this work complements our Phase 1 studies at the Royal Marsden Hospital where we are introducing a number of new drugs into the clinical setting

Find out more about Myeloma Targeted Treatment Team Research.

Funding; Department of Health.