British researchers have announced plans to develop new tests for monitoring patients with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).
Researchers at the University of Birmingham hope to make monitoring “more efficient and convenient”.
They have been awarded £230,000 in translational research funding from Cancer Research Horizons for the project.
Immunologists Dr Jennifer Heaney and Dr Sian Faustini are developing the test, which uses monitoring of monoclonal proteins produced by abnormal bone marrow cells. This could be used to identify people who need to be referred for further tests to see if myeloma has developed, the researchers hope.
Dr Heaney’s main research interest is developing “low cost and straightforward” solutions to improve equity of testing and to accelerate diagnosis.
The researchers are planning a clinical pilot scheme later this year, working with Dr Tracey Chan, consultant haematologist at University Hospitals Birmingham.
Source: University of Birmingham
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